Cotton Seed Sales: Cotton seed sales in Khandesh to begin from May 15
2024-05-15 11:06:22
Cotton Seed Sales: Starting on May 15, cotton seed sales will take place in Khandesh.
In response to the demand from early-season cotton growers and concerns about the black market for cotton seeds, the administration has authorized the sale of cotton seeds starting May 15, as requested by the Fertilizers and Seed Distributors Association.
Previously, the administration's policy was to commence cotton seed sales from June 1, expecting farmers to plant early-season or irrigated cotton in June. However, many farmers opted to sow cotton between mid-May and the end of May due to favorable conditions. This led to the purchase of seeds from the black market when local markets lacked supply.
To combat these issues, cotton seeds will officially be available from May 15 this year at various agricultural centers and input shops. The key question remains whether farmers will adhere to the agriculture department's recommendation to plant after June 1.
Many farmers have already prepared their fields and set up micro-irrigation systems for cotton cultivation. They believe planting between May 20 and 30 will yield substantial benefits, allowing subsequent crops to be grown afterward.
Despite these efforts, there are concerns that attempts by scientists and the Department of Agriculture to curb the pink bollworm cycle may not succeed. Cotton cultivation in Khandesh is anticipated to cover eight and a half lakh hectares this year, with an estimated five lakh 54 thousand hectares in Jalgaon district alone.
