ICAR Launches 5 New High-Yield Cotton Varieties: Features and Benefits

Key Highlights

• ICAR introduced five new high-yield cotton varieties.
• Varieties developed for different regional conditions.
• PDKV Dhawal offers resistance to key diseases.
• Shalini has a high oil content and yields well.
• CICR-H Bt Cotton 65 is suitable for the Central Zone.

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has recently launched five new varieties of cotton that promise higher yields for farmers. Developed by various institutes under ICAR, these varieties have been specifically designed to thrive in different states, allowing farmers to select the best option based on their regional needs. Let’s take a closer look at these promising cotton varieties, their features, and the benefits they offer to farmers.

Also Read: Cotton Prices Rise Across India: Rates Cross Minimum Support Price (MSP)

1. PDKV Dhawal (AKA-2013-8)

This hybrid variety is ideal for timely sowing in rainfed conditions. Developed by the AICRP at Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth in Akola, Maharashtra, PDKV Dhawal is notable for its resilience against pests and diseases, including:

• Tolerances: Leaf hopper, bacterial leaf blight.
• Resistances: Myrothecium leaf spot, Alternaria leaf spot, and gray fungus.

With a growth period of 160 to 180 days, this variety can yield up to 12.84 quintals per hectare. It is recommended for farmers in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat.

2. CICR-H Bt Cotton 40 (ICAR-CICR-PKV 081 Bt)

Also a hybrid variety, CICR-H Bt Cotton 40 is recommended for the South Zone and is suitable for rainfed conditions. Developed by the ICAR-Central Textile Research Institute in Nagpur, Maharashtra, this variety offers strong resistance against various diseases and pests, such as:

• Tolerances: Bacterial blight, gray mold, and leaf spot.
• Pest Resistance: Jassids, aphids, thrips, and leaf hoppers.

This variety helps ensure better crop health and productivity for farmers.

Also Read: ICAR Launches 7 New High-Yielding Varieties of Soybean, Groundnut, Safflower, and Sesame

3. Shalini (CNH 17395) (CICR-H Cotton 58)

Presented by the ICAR Central Textile Research Institute, Shalini is another hybrid variety suited for rainfed Kharif conditions. It is resistant to Fusarium wilt and moderately tolerant to aphid infestations. Key features include:

• Growth Duration: Ready in 127 days.
• Yield Capacity: Up to 14.41 quintals per hectare.
• High Oil Content: 34.3 percent.

Farmers in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana can benefit from this high-yield variety.

4. CICR-H Bt Cotton 65 (ICAR-CICR 18 Bt)

This hybrid variety, developed by the ICAR-Central Institute of Cotton Research in Nagpur, is also suitable for rainfed conditions. CICR-H Bt Cotton 65 is resistant to numerous diseases, making it a robust choice for farmers. Features include:

• Growth Duration: Ready in 140 to 150 days.
• Yield Capacity: Up to 15.47 quintals per hectare.

This variety is particularly recommended for farmers in the Central Zone.

5. CNH-18529 (CICR-H NC Cotton 64)

Introduced by the ICAR-Central Cotton Research Institute, CNH-18529 is a hybrid variety that performs well in both rainfed and irrigated conditions. Notable characteristics include:

• Growth Duration: Ready in 160 to 165 days.
• Yield Capacity: Up to 10.11 quintals per hectare.
• Color: Brown, suitable for handloom weaving.

This variety is recommended for farmers in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, providing an option for high-quality fabric production.

Also Read: PM-Aasha Yojana: Government Approves ₹35,000 Crore to Boost Farmers Income

CMV360 Says

With the launch of these five new cotton varieties, ICAR aims to enhance cotton cultivation across India, ensuring better yields and resilience against diseases and pests. Farmers are encouraged to select the variety that best suits their regional conditions and requirements, promising a brighter future for cotton farming in the country.