Cotton Seed Production Technology

Cotton (Gossypium spp.) is a high-value cash crop with strong demand in the textile and oil industries. With scientific seed production techniques and modern agricultural practices, farmers can ensure higher seed purity, improved germination rates, and increased profits.

Key Steps for Profitable Cotton Seed Production

Ideal Climate & Soil Conditions

Temperature: 25-35°C – Requires warm temperatures and ample sunshine

Soil Type: Well-drained deep loamy or clay loam soil (pH 6.0-7.5)

Water Requirement: Moderate irrigation, crucial at flowering & boll formation stages

High-Yielding Cotton Seed Varieties

Popular hybrids: RCH 134, NCS 145, Ankur 651, Bunny Bt

High-fiber quality types: JK 1947, BG II, H 8 – Ideal for textile industries

Disease-resistant varieties: RCH 779, Suraj – Suitable for pest-prone regions

Smart Sowing & Seed Treatment

Seed rate: 2-4 kg/ha for hybrid cotton, 8-10 kg/ha for conventional varieties

Best sowing time:

• Kharif (Rainy season): May-June
• Rabi (Winter season, irrigated areas): October-November

Seed treatment: Treat with Pseudomonas & Trichoderma for disease resistance and better root growth

Nutrient & Water Management

Balanced fertilization:

• Nitrogen (N): 80-100 kg/ha
• Phosphorus (P): 40-50 kg/ha
• Potassium (K): 40-60 kg/ha

Irrigation schedule: Essential at flowering, boll formation, and boll opening stages

 Weed, Pest & Disease Control

Weed management: Use Pendimethalin (pre-emergence herbicide) for effective weed control

Common pests: Bollworm, whitefly, aphids – Managed using Bt cotton varieties & IPM (Integrated Pest Management) techniques

Disease control: Wilt, Alternaria leaf spot, bacterial blight – Prevent with resistant varieties & fungicides

Seed Production & Harvesting Techniques

Seed Isolation: Maintain 500m isolation distance to prevent genetic contamination

Roguing: Remove off-type plants regularly to maintain genetic purity

Harvesting: Pick when bolls are fully mature & fluffy white fibers appear

Seed Processing: Proper drying, cleaning, and storage ensure higher germination & better market value

Average seed yield: 1.2-2.0 tons per hectare.