Cotton Cultivation – A Complete Guide to Growing High-Quality Cotton

Cotton is one of the most important fiber crops in the world. It supports millions of farmers and provides raw material for the textile industry. In countries like India, cotton farming is not only a source of income but also a part of agricultural tradition. With the right farming practices, cotton can give very good yield and profit.

In this guide, you will learn everything about cotton cultivation – from land preparation to harvesting and marketing – in a clear and practical way.

What Is Cotton?

Cotton is a soft, white fiber that grows around the seeds of the cotton plant. It belongs to the Gossypium species. Cotton is mainly used to make clothes, bed sheets, towels, medical cotton, and many other products.

India, China, the USA, and Brazil are some of the largest cotton producers in the world.

Climate and Soil Requirements for Cotton

Cotton grows best in warm and dry climate.

Ideal Temperature

Cotton needs a temperature between 20°C and 30°C. Very low temperature affects plant growth, and frost can damage the crop.

Rainfall

Cotton requires moderate rainfall (about 50–100 cm). Too much rain causes root rot and pest problems.

Soil

Cotton grows well in:

Black soil
Alluvial soil
Well-drained loamy soil

The soil should be rich in organic matter and have a pH between 6.0 and 8.0.

Land Preparation

Good land preparation is the base of successful cotton farming.

Plough the field 2–3 times to make the soil loose and clean.
Remove weeds and old crop remains.
Add well-decomposed farmyard manure or compost before sowing.
Level the field properly to ensure good water drainage.

Best Time for Cotton Sowing

Cotton is usually sown:

In North India: April to May
In Central and South India: June to July

Sowing should be done when the soil has enough moisture.

Seed Selection and Treatment

Choosing good quality seeds is very important.

Use:

Certified hybrid or Bt cotton seeds
Seeds from a trusted company

Seed Treatment

Before sowing, treat the seeds with fungicide or bio-fertilizer to protect them from diseases and improve germination.

Method of Sowing

Cotton can be sown by:

Broadcasting
Drilling
Dibbling

Row to row distance: 60–75 cm
Plant to plant distance: 30–45 cm

This spacing helps in proper air flow and sunlight, which reduces pest and disease problems.

Irrigation in Cotton Cultivation

Cotton is not a water-loving crop, but it needs water at the right time.

Important irrigation stages:

Germination stage
Flowering stage
Boll formation stage

Over-irrigation should be avoided as it leads to poor root development and more pest attacks.

Drip irrigation is very useful as it saves water and increases yield.

Fertilizer Management

Cotton needs balanced nutrients for good growth and yield.

Organic Fertilizer

Farmyard manure
Vermicompost
Compost

These improve soil health.

Chemical Fertilizer

Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium (NPK) are essential.

A common recommendation:

Nitrogen – 100 to 120 kg per hectare
Phosphorus – 50 kg per hectare
Potassium – 50 kg per hectare

Apply fertilizer in split doses for better absorption.

Weed Control

Weeds compete with cotton plants for nutrients and water.

Control methods:

Hand weeding
Hoeing
Mulching
Herbicides (if required)

Weeding should be done within the first 40–50 days after sowing.

Pest and Disease Management

Cotton is sensitive to many pests and diseases.

Common Pests

Bollworm
Whitefly
Aphids
Thrips

Diseases

Leaf curl virus
Wilt
Root rot

Control Measures

Use resistant varieties
Keep the field clean
Use neem oil or organic pesticides
Apply chemical pesticides only when needed

Regular monitoring is very important.

Flowering and Boll Formation

Cotton plants start flowering after 45–60 days. After pollination, bolls (cotton balls) start forming.

Good sunlight, balanced fertilizer, and proper watering help in more bolls and better fiber quality.

Harvesting of Cotton

Cotton is ready for harvesting when bolls open and show white fluffy fiber.

Harvesting is usually done:

By hand
In 2–3 rounds

Pick only fully opened bolls for good quality cotton.

Yield of Cotton

The average cotton yield depends on:

Variety
Soil quality
Climate
Farm management

On average, a farmer can get 15–25 quintals per hectare under good conditions.

Storage and Marketing

After harvesting:

Dry the cotton properly
Store in a clean, dry place

Sell cotton in:

Local markets
Government mandis
Cotton ginning factories

Good quality cotton always gets a better price.

Profit in Cotton Farming

Cotton is a commercial crop. With proper planning and management, farmers can earn good profit.

Using improved seeds, organic manure, pest control, and modern irrigation can increase income.

Conclusion

Cotton cultivation can be very profitable if done in the right way. From selecting good seeds to proper harvesting, every step matters. By following modern farming techniques and maintaining soil health, farmers can produce high-quality cotton and get better returns.

Cotton is not just a crop – it is a backbone of the textile industry and rural economy.

Cotton Cultivation – A Complete Guide to