Strategies for enhancing the seed cotton yield in Orissa.

Cotton the white gold is the important natural textile fibre of the world which accounts 30% of the total Indian export. Orissa is one of the most important states growing this cash crop under rainfed conditions in KBK districts particularly in Kalahandi, Rayagada, Bolangir, Ganjam, Koraput and Nuapada. Although the production of cotton increased from 1.08 lakh bales in 2006-07 to 1.25 lakh bales during 2007-08 still it is much below the national average i.e.530 kg lint/ha. But in 2008-09 the production has also decreased to some extent due to high incidence of disease i.e (Black arm of cotton and Colletotrichum leaf spot) and environmental moisture stress conditions and lack of knowledge regarding full package of practices. So for the benefit of the farming community the following full package of practices may be helpful for increasing their seed cotton yield without any risk.