Tech adoption can raise cotton productivity, says SABC study
2025-04-26 10:47:33
Tech Boosts Cotton Yields: SABC Study
Technological interventions such as drip irrigation, fertigation and integrated pest management can enhance cotton productivity, showed a study by South Asia Biotechnology Centre.
SABC had conducted the high-tech regenerative cotton demonstration during the Kharif 2024 season at its North India High-Tech R&D Station at Gindran village, Sirsa district of Haryana. The demonstration has provided compelling evidence that technological interventions can significantly enhance cotton productivity, resource efficiency and sustainability.
The adoption of drip fertigation systems ensures higher germination rates and optimal plant stand, contributing to better crop establishment and yield potential, while farmers utilising micro-irrigation techniques such as drip systems can achieve up to 60 per cent savings in irrigation water, compared to the conventional cotton farming, said Bhagirath Chaudhary, Founder Director, SABC.
Nutrient uptake efficiency
Also the drip fertigation leads to significant improvements in nutrient uptake efficiency, with 54 per cent for nitrogenous fertilizers, 33 per centfor phosphoric fertilizers, and 79 per cent for sulphur fertilizers, ensuring better croр nutrition and reduced input wastage, Chaudhary said.
Further the integration of drip fertigation with advanced agronomic practices demonstrated substantial yield advantages, he said. As against the highest yield of 8-9 quintal per acre in Haryana last year, the average yields in the demonstration unit were significantly higher at 13 quintal per acre, Chaudhary said.
SABC has recommended that the drip fertigation should be widely promoted as a standard agronomic practice to improve water and nutrient efficiency in cotton farming. It has also suggested that the integrated pest management (IPM), including mating disruption technology (PBKnot) and pheromone traps for monitoring, should be scaled up to reduce pesticide usage, minimise pest incidence, and ensure environmental protection.
The adoption of water storage tanks and solar-powered irrigation systems alongside drip fertigation can play a crucial role in climate change mitigation and sustainable water management. The success of these technology-driven demonstrations serves as a pathway for increased adoption across the cotton-growing belt, offering a ray of hope for farmers, ginners, spinners and textile industry of North India.
By embracing precision agriculture, resource-efficient practices, and modern pest management strategies, the North cotton growing zone can revitalise cotton cultivation, enhance productivity, and ensure long-term sustainability for both farmers and the industry. In summary, the successful demonstration of these innovative technologies can become a ray of hope for farmers and cotton value chain partners of the North cotton growing region which results in the increase of area, productivity and production of cotton through technology adoption.”
