Agricultural Officers and Agricultural Extension Officers Trained on High Density Cotton Cultivation

Under the aegis of Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University (PJTAU) and Telangana Rythu Vigyana Kendra (TRVK), Vikarabad, a training and awareness programme on High Density Cotton Cultivation (HDCPS) was organized for Agricultural Officers on Thursday, 29 January 2026, at the Collectorate Office, Vikarabad, as part of a special project of the Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR), Nagapur.

During the programme, Scientist B. Raja Madhu Shekhar of Telangana Rythu Vigyana Kendra explained that light-textured soils are highly suitable for high-density cotton cultivation. In view of the acute shortage of agricultural labour under conventional cotton cultivation, he emphasized that cotton can be effectively sown under high-density planting through mechanization. He highlighted that mechanized sowing ensures proper seed placement at the required depth, resulting in improved germination. He further explained that sowing can be carried out at a spacing of 90 × 15 cm between rows and plants, respectively.

He also elaborated on weed management practices, use of growth regulators, fertilizer schedules, and water management to be followed in high-density cotton cultivation. He informed that the shorter crop duration under high-density planting helps in reducing the incidence of pink bollworm infestation.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. T. Rajeshwar Reddy, Coordinator, TRVK, Vikarabad, explained the major diseases associated with high-density cotton cultivation, such as root rot, dry root rot, collar rot, and various leaf spot diseases, along with their symptoms and management practices. He also provided detailed information on the use of pheromone traps in cotton and demonstrated their method of installation in the field. In addition, he briefed the participants on cotton varieties suitable for high-density planting and their salient features.

Speaking on the occasion, District Agricultural Officer Mr. Rajaratnam emphasized the importance of creating awareness among farmers on modern agricultural practices and advised agricultural officers to recommend suitable and improved crop varieties to farmers for better productivity.

The programme was attended by Assistant Directors of Agriculture Mr. Sandeep Kumar, Vikarabad Division ADA Mr. Venkatesham, Kodangal Division ADA Mr. Shankar Rathod, Pargi Division ADA Ms. Lakshmi Kumari, along with Agricultural Officers, Agricultural Extension Officers working in the district, and Young Professional-I Mr. Keshava Krishna.

Subsequent to the High Density Cotton Planting System (HDCPS) training programme, and as per the request of the Additional Collector, Smt. S. Rajeshwari, Additional Collector (Revenue), Vikarabad, scientists from Telangana Rythu Vigyana Kendra (TRVK), Vikarabad delivered a special lecture on paddy cultivation, with a focus on paddy varieties suitable for Vikarabad district, particularly fine rice varieties preferred by farmers and consumers.

Further, Smt. S. Rajeshwari emphasized the need to motivate farmers and instructed Agricultural Extension Officers (AEOs) to disseminate the information widely, highlighting the importance of selecting locally suitable, high-yielding, and market-preferred fine rice varieties to enhance farmers’ income and ensure improved productivity in the district.