Akola cotton model will be implemented across the country: Agriculture Minister
2025-07-14 11:02:17
Maharastra : Akola cotton planting model to be adopted across India: Agriculture minister.
Akola: Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan emphasised that in order to stop cotton imports and initiate exports by 2030, high-density cotton planting techniques will be promoted nationwide. Chauhan highlighted that the Akola pattern of high-density cotton planting, implemented by farmer Dilip Thakre, has received national recognition.
Similarly, Dilip Pohane from Wardha, with support from the Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR), achieved increased productivity through dense cotton planting. As the benefits of these methods become evident, the govt plans to promote these across the country.
Chauhan urged seed companies and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to conduct research on cotton varieties best suited for high-density planting. He was speaking at a discussion session held on in Coimbatore, which focused on strategies to enhance cotton productivity.
Speaking to, Dilip Thakre said the long-pending demand for an equipment testing institute in South India had been approved immediately.
"Research and quality improvement of indigenous cotton varieties will also be prioritised. This model will now be implemented across the country to raise productivity," Chauhan said. The minister showed great interest in the Akola pattern of high-density planting, referring to it multiple times in his speech.
Present at the session were Union textile minister Giriraj Singh, Maharashtra agriculture minister Manikrao Kokate, vice-chancellor of Dr Panjabrao Deshmukh Agricultural University Dr Sharad Gadakh, vice-chancellor of Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, Dr Indra Mani, CICR director Dr Vijay Waghmare, cotton expert Govind Vairale, and farmers Dilip Pohane and Dilip Thakre.
Chauhan acknowledged demand for HTBT technology and said the matter would be discussed with the environment ministry.
Currently, unauthorised planting of HTBT (herbicide-tolerant Bt) cotton seeds is taking place in various regions. Considering farmer demands, discussions are underway to explore the possibility of legalising this technology, said the minister. Soil health was also highlighted as a crucial factor in improving productivity.
Weed management has become a serious challenge in cotton-growing areas, with labour shortages and rising costs. The agriculture and textile ministries are working together to address this, he said. He stressed that developing new crop varieties and technologies is meaningless if they do not reach farmers. To bridge this gap, a stronger agricultural extension system will be developed to ensure effective transfer of knowledge from "lab to land."
Key Points *Use of AI-based pheromone traps for pink bollworm control *Emphasis on affordable and accessible mechanisation *Strict regulation to prevent counterfeit seeds and inputs *Customised solutions for small and marginal farmers *Partnerships with seed companies and research institutes to develop improved varieties
