Our vision is to enable a vibrant, innovative, and sustainable Indian cotton industry — starting at the farm level. Through our Cotton Agronomics program, we focus on empowering farmers by leveraging advancements in agricultural practices, driving farmer education, and building strong community networks. By equipping farmers with the knowledge, tools, and support they need, we aim to boost yields, improve livelihoods, and strengthen the backbone of India’s cotton ecosystem.
In many farms, traditional methods of conserving water and soil rely on makeshift bunds formed from the farmland’s own soil. While simple, these structures often collapse during heavy monsoons, causing water runoff and the erosion of the vital topsoil layer rich in nutrients.
To address this challenge, COTAAP has introduced effective soil and water conservation solutions in drought-prone villages of Maharashtra, where water becomes scarce soon after the monsoon ends. After carefully studying the land’s natural contours, COTAAP implements reinforced bunds along with strategically placed recharge pits and trenches.
These sturdy bunds help retain the nutrient-rich topsoil while guiding rainwater into adjacent trenches and recharge pits. This not only prevents erosion but also allows rainwater to seep into the ground, boosting the water table. As a result, farmers gain access to stored water during the dry months, helping them irrigate their crops more sustainably.
COTAAP has implemented the Soil and Water Conservation project in close to —– hectares of land in villages in Yavatmal and Wardha districts of Maharashtra benefitting close to ——– farmers.
In Babhulgaon, a village in the drought-prone Marathwada region of Maharashtra, declining rainfall had led to water scarcity. Groundwater had depleted and bore wells ran dry for most of the year, leaving the villagers without reliable water source
Flowing near the village was the Dheku river which had over time, reduced to a dry, silted stretch. Its bed had become choked with soil, waste, and debris, preventing rainwater from being absorbed or retained.
COTAAP stepped in with a mission to revive this lost resource. Through extensive cleaning and deepening of the riverbed, the Dheku river was brought back to life. Today, the river once again holds water beyond the monsoon months, supporting irrigation and replenishing groundwater for the village.
De-risking advanced farming techniques for marginal farmers is a successful way to encourage their adoption. COTAAP has adopted this approach by urging progressive farmers into practicing innovative and advanced techniques. Once successful these have then been offered to marginal, small land holding farmers, thus reducing risks and building trust.
COTAAP has implemented this approach withHigh Density Planting System (HDPS) andBamboo Staking in Chopda village in Jalgaon district in Maharashtra. These techniques have boosted cotton yields and strengthened farmer confidence.
We have created Farmer Networking Platforms uniting farmers regardless land sizes, and income levels in one collaborative space. It provides a strong support system where farmers can openly share their challenges and access expert advice, all within a secure and progressive community.
We organize seminars, conferences, and training programs designed to promote a scientific and new, advanced approach to farming. These initiatives aim to enhance crop yields which in turn improve the overall quality of life for farmers.
We facilitatePublic-Private Partnerships (PPPs) that leverage the strengths of the private sector alongside the resources of state governments. This collaboration ultimately benefits cotton farmers by providing them with enhanced support and resources.
We support farmers by conducting soil tests to help them understand their soil’s health. We also provide guidance on interpreting the results and offer training on effective methods to improve soil quality.
COTAAP successfully promoted the use of bio-fertilizers, bio-pesticides and other eco-friendly practices.
Reducing Cotton Varieties
Our Agri experts advised farmers to reduce cotton varieties from 250 to under 40, improving crop management and standardizing quality for better profitability.
Introducing Extra Long Staple Cotton (ELS)
By introducing theMahyco-Bahubali ELS variety, COTAAP enabled farmers to earn a higher premium per quintal and reducing reliance on imported cotton.
Disseminating BT Technology
COTAAP helped rapidly spreadBT Technology in Chopda, with 90% of farmers adopting it, boosting yield and pest resistance.
Reusing Non-BT CICR Seeds
COTAAP, with CICR, demonstrated the‘Suraj’ non-BT variety could be reused, cutting seed costs and improving sustainability for farmers.
