During this cotton sowing season, farmers in Punjab are being urged to adopt bed plantation as it offers several advantages such as reduced water usage, improved germination, and effective weed control. It is anticipated that a larger proportion of forward-thinking farmers will embrace this technique.
Punjab Agriculture University (PAU) endorses the use of bed plantation, which can be accomplished using bed planters pulled by tractors. The recommended row-to-row spacing is 675 cm, while the plant-to-plant distance should be 60 cm. By utilizing this method, farmers can efficiently water their crops through furrows and manage excess water during the rainy season by allowing it to drain through these furrows.
Cotton bed plantation has garnered significant attention and interest among farmers this season, according to Agriculture Director Gurvinder Singh. Recognizing its numerous benefits, the agriculture department has taken proactive measures to organize farmer demonstrations across various districts, further promoting the adoption of this practice.
One of the primary reasons behind advocating for the shift from paddy to cotton is the conservation of groundwater resources. With concerns over depleting water tables, farmers in the state have been encouraged to explore alternative crops that consume less water. Cotton bed plantation presents a viable solution in this regard, as it requires less water than traditional methods. By embracing this technique, farmers can actively contribute to water conservation efforts while maintaining agricultural productivity.
Moreover, as word spreads about the advantages of bed plantation, more and more farmers are expected to choose this method. Dr Jaswinder Singh Brar, a plant protection officer, emphasized that farmers who opt for bed plantations not only experience the convenience of easier harvesting but also enjoy better returns on their investments. The organized arrangement of crops in raised beds allows for efficient management, improved germination, and effective weed control, contributing to higher crop yields.
The growing interest in cotton bed plantations among farmers in Punjab is driven by the dual objective of conserving groundwater and maximizing agricultural productivity. As farmers witness the benefits firsthand and receive guidance through farmer demonstrations, it is anticipated that an increasing number of progressive farmers will embrace this technique, ultimately leading to a sustainable and profitable farming ecosystem in the state.
