Telangana Farmers have successfully completed an experiment with the high-density planting system (HDPS), which promises to increase cotton yields by 30 to 50 percent to overcome stagnation and improve yields.
Scientists from Prof. Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU) and the State Agricultural Ministry have conducted HDPS demonstrations in farmers' fields across 26 districts in Telangana, covering approximately 3,642 hectares.
According to one scientist, it's the equivalent of growing three acres of cotton on one acre. Unlike traditional cotton, which farmers continue to pick for 3 to 4 pickings, the HDPS crop yields all of the output in just one picking, allowing farmers to plant a short-term crop before the regular Rabi crop.
Farmers planted approximately 21,000-22,000 plants per acre, as opposed to 7,000-8,000 plants in an acre. Sprays are used to control the plant's height, ensuring the crop's uniform height and making it easier for machines to harvest.
"We planned to grow cotton on approximately 8,093 hectares in various demonstration plots across 26 districts." This Kharif, we could grow it on nearly 9,000 acres," said R Jagadeeshwar, Director of Research at Prof. Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU). He claimed that farmers have recorded 8 to 12 quintals per acre in the HDPS system as opposed to 6 to 8 quintals in the conventional system, indicating a promising start for the new cropping method.
The experiment, however, was harmed early in the Kharif season when heavy rains for nearly two and a half months hampered crop growth. "However, after the rains stopped in August, the crop recovered." He stated, "They sprayed plant growth regulator (mepiquat chloride) twice." As part of the experiment, farmers were given pneumatic planters, which reduce labour and improve precision in sowing.
The scientists chose a few varieties from Nuziveedu Seeds Limited and Rasi Seeds for the demonstration. The HDPS, on the other hand, would entail additional costs. Farmers would have to use 5-6 packets instead of two packets for an acre to grow more plants.
The planter is estimated to cost 11 lakh, while the harvester will cost 70 lakh. It may also take some time before more farmers switch to HDPS cotton. "Based on farmer inquiries for planters and increased yields, we anticipate that more farmers will switch to HDPS cotton next year," Jagadeeshwar said.
