THE Agriculture Department notified growers to ensure the precise application of water for pre-monsoon long-staple cotton cultivation to meet production targets.

The notification of the de­partment stated to irrigate im­mediately when the leaves turn to darker green colour, irrigate when the leaves of 25 plants among 100 are withered at noon (12-2 pm), and irrigate when the soil seems moist yet dry.

While growing monsoon or pre-monsoon long-staple cotton, growers had better ir­rigate one time after sowing, once when the flower blossoms and at least three more times during the flowering phase (75- 120 days). They also need to regulate irrigation according to soil type and prevailing weath­er conditions. Drip irrigation every 10 to 15 days is best for sandy soil.

Moreover, the department informed them of adequate ir­rigation into the two-foot depth of cultivation land, use of drip irrigation, avoiding excess ap­plication of water, irrigation for six to 12 hours, and having drainage for efficient agricul­ture operation. — NN/KK