PATTOKI:
Agricultural experts have advised farmers to commence cotton picking when 50% of the bolls are open, and avoid picking from half-open bolls to maintain the quality of the produce.
According to Agriculture Officer Chaudhry Arshad Ali, the plants should be pruned after the dew has dried, starting from the open tendrils at the lower parts and moving upwards.
He called for using cotton bags for picking and avoiding polypropylene bags.
Store cotton with a moisture content of 8% to 10% in a dry, well-ventilated area, the official added. Arshad Ali also advised farmers to consider the weather forecast when picking cotton. Avoid starting picking if rain is expected, and wait until tendrils are completely dry after rainfall to prevent damage.
By adopting modern cotton production technology, farmers can boost their yield, he said. A grower, Muhammad Nawaz, emphasised the importance of timely and affordable access to fertilisers and quality seeds provided by the government to enhance cotton production without losses.
He said the best time for cotton cultivation in Punjab is from April 1 to May 31.
Drill and track cultivation is carried out using planters and by hand.
Achieving optimal cotton yield per acre requires a judicious use of fertilisers. Soil analysis is a fundamental step for cotton farmers to determine the fertiliser needs.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 30th, 2023.
