Economic analysis of different sowing methods of cotton crop in Punjab Province-Pakistan

Abstract

After proper seedbed, crop stand mainly depends upon proper seeding depth as too shallow seed is prone to bird’s attack while too deep seed may not germinate well due to heavy load of soil on the seeds. For proper yield of any crop, plant population and row to row distance plays an important role which can only be achieved if appropriate sowing machines are used. But which planting method is most suitable depends upon economic outcomes. In this backdrop, present study was planned to try in exploring most efficient and economically viable option of sowing particularly among three planting methods viz. Ridge planting (dibbling method), Drill (flat planting) and Planter (bed cum planting method) with the purpose of guiding farmers to improve outcomes along with increasing the productivity of cotton under challenges of labor and water shortages. According to survey results, planter technology was the most economical venture vis-a-vis ridge and drill sowing methods on account of lowest total cultivation costs, highest yield and accordingly highest revenue per acre. Time saving at sowing was inspiring attribute of cotton seed planter while lack of finances and lack of timely availability of the planter for sowing seed cotton were among reported barriers in order of importance for wider adoption. Findings suggest that this is high time for the government to win confidence of the farmers by introducing bed-cum-planter on cost sharing basis.