Improved technology for cotton production in central India: an impact assessment

The extent and impact of the adoption of improved technology by cotton farmers was assessed during the 2003, 2004 and 2005 crop seasons in the Nagpur and Wardha districts in Maharashtra (central India) The package of improved practices consisted mainly of recommended cultural practices, including the timely application of recommended doses of plant nutrients, the management of water, insect pests and plant diseases in rainfed/dry land, and irrigated cultivation Precautionary measures for avoiding any possible admixture of genotypes and contamination with dust, dry leaves, pieces of plastic, etc during storage were adopted The data in project fields compared with non-project/farmers' fields in 164 villages showed a reduction of up to 60% in the cost of plant protection in rainfed cultivation in the Wardha district In both districts, increases of 20-46% in yield of seed cotton in rainfed and 22-52% in irrigated cultivation, and significant improvement in lint quality were noted Overall, there was a net profit of Rs5,802-7,343ha (US$145-184), or 47-115% in rainfed and Rs6,438-7,561 (US$161-189), or 53-55%, in irrigated cultivation in project fields over non-project fields These tangible benefits were achieved through awareness programmes held in the project villages on the practicality and cost-effectiveness of improved technology