Favourable rainfall helps revive cotton crop in Yadgir after a prolonged dry spell

Favourable rainfall helps revive cotton crop in Yadgir after a prolonged dry spell The district experienced continuous dry weather for a number of weeks, even after the mid-monsoon sowing season.

Key points

• According to data published by the Agriculture Department, overall cotton sowing in the district has surpassed its target.
• According to Agriculture Department authorities, continuous awareness programmes are being conducted throughout the district.
• Five out of the district's six taluks recorded sowing achievements above 100%.
• The district experienced continuous dry weather for a number of weeks, even after the mid-monsoon sowing season.
• Presently, cotton is at the flowering and boll formation stage, depending on the period of sowing in different parts of the district.

Cotton growers have expressed optimism regarding the current crop's expansion. Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT.

Favourable rainfall in late July and early August has brought much-needed relief to farmers throughout Yadgir district, reviving the cotton crop that had begun to wither after a prolonged dry spell.

Notably, the district experienced continuous dry weather for a number of weeks, even after the mid-monsoon sowing season. Deficient moisture after post-weeding operations had begun to damage the cotton crop slightly. Nevertheless, the recent showers have significantly improved soil moisture levels, restoring crop health.

According to data published by the Agriculture Department, overall cotton sowing in the district has surpassed its target. Against a target of 2, 02, 452 hectares for the current year, farmers have cultivated cotton throughout 2, 15, 603 hectares – achieving 106% of the targeted area.

Five out of the district's six taluks recorded sowing achievements above 100%. The taluk-wise breakdown of coverage against targets is as follows.

In Yadgir 44, 063 hectares have been sown against 38, 240 hectares (115.23%); in Hunsagi 31, 332 hectares against 27, 850 hectares (112.50%); in Shorapur 43, 068 hectares against 39, 380 hectares (109.37%); in Gurmitkal 26, 830 hectares against 26, 526 hectares (101.25%); in Wadagera 28, 820 hectares against 28, 788 hectares (101.11%); and in Shahapur 41, 490 hectares have been sown against 41, 668 hectares (99.57%) respectively.

Cotton growers have expressed optimism regarding the current crop's expansion. "We have already carried out weeding operations four times, alongside two rounds of chemical spraying and fertilizer application. If weather conditions remain favourable in the coming weeks, we are confident of harvesting a good yield, " Vijay Kumar Gulgi, a farmer from Satyampet village, remarked.

According to Agriculture Department authorities, continuous awareness programmes are being conducted throughout the district. These sessions aim to guide farmers on optimal fertilizer schedules, chemical applications, and effective pest management strategies to protect the growing crop.

Taken together, the developments around favourable rainfall helps revive cotton crop in Yadgir after a prolonged dry point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.