MM2.1: Development of production technologies for Bt cotton and improvement

of water and nutrient use efficiency with precision farming techniques

Cotton plays a key role in the national economy in terms of direct and indirect

 employment and income generation in the agricultural and industrial sectors.

Textiles and related exports of which cotton constitutes nearly 65%, account

 for nearly 33% of the total foreign exchange earnings of our country. Therefore,

 there is a need to improve the production, productivity and profitability of cotton

cultivation in different agro-ecological zones. It is therefore necessary to develop

feasible, economically viable and ecologically friendly production technologies

for cotton cultivation. The average productivity of cotton in India is low because

of the rain-fed cultivation, low soil productivity and heavy pest problems. Productivity

can be significantly increased by growing Bt cotton. Optimum package of Practices

 with précised farming techniques maintaining the soil health and reduced cost

of cultivation need to be developed for Bt cotton

OBJECTIVES

• To study the effect of institu moisture conservation measures in conjunction with
  integrated nutrient management in rain-fed situation on productivity and fibre quality.
• To find out optimum irrigation schedule and nutrient requirement with drip
  and fertigation and synergic effect on water and nutrient use efficiency.
• To synchronize nutrient application with cotton crop demand.

Name of the Lead Center: MAU, Parbhani

Co-operating Centers: CICR, Nagpur, CICR, RS, Coimbatore,
PDKV, Akola, NAU,SURAT,OUAT,Bhavanipatana,UAS,Dharwad,ANGRAU,Nandyal,HAU,Hisar,PAU,
Abohar, RAU, Sriganga Nagar, JNKVV, Khandwa