The Indian Cotton Mill Federation's - Cotton Development Research Association (ICMF"�CDRA) has announced an extension project of its scheme launched in 2003-2004 to increase the cotton yield in Maharashtra. | |
| The scheme incorporates significant findings collected while executing earlier projects in the state. |
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| The project is being implemented in two districts of Nagpur and Wardha in Maharashtra, covering eight talukas and 88 villages. |
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| In Nagpur, 70 villages are included covering an area of 2334 acres in all, benefiting 505 farmers. In Wardha, the project covers 542 acres benefiting 82 farmers, in 18 villages. |
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| According to P D Patodia, chairman of the standing committee on cotton, ICMF"�CDRA, demonstration camps would be arranged in 25 plots in these districts with 150 plots being kept under observation to assess the impact of the scheme on cotton cultivation. |
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| The project is significantly larger compared to last year's exercise, covering a greater area and helping 578 farmers as against 137 farmers in 2003-2004. |
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| The scheme offers cluster based training programme through farmers field schools at 10 clusters every month to provide on the spot guidance to cotton growers. |
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| Subsidised inputs are being provided to farmers. IFFCO will give fertilisers and Rallis its pesticides at concessional rates. |
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| Extension activities in Maharashtra last year resulted in increase in yield per hectare to 9.3 quintals (316 kg) of lint cotton in project areas compared with the usual 6 quintals (204 kg) in other areas, both with rain-fed fields. |
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| For irrigated fields, corresponding yield was 12.9 quintals (439 kg) against 10.5 quintals (357 kg) in non-project areas. |
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| Cost of cultivation was 81 per cent lower in rain-fed areas and 74 per cent lower in irrigated fields. |
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