Farmers Advised To Follow Proper Cotton Picking Practices To Preserve Quality
The agriculture experts have urged the cotton growers to adopt scientifically recommended harvesting practices to protect quality of picked cotton. A spokesman of Agriculture (Extension) Department advised the farmers to start picking after 10 a.m. when overnight dew has completely dried and stop the process by 4 p.m. to prevent discoloration, excessive moisture and difficulties during ginning.
Key Practices:
- Timing: Start picking after 10 a.m. and stop by 4 p.m.
- Bolls: Pick cotton from fully opened bolls, starting from lower portion of the plant and gradually moving upwards.
- Materials: Use cotton fabric for bags and place picked cotton on clean dry cotton sheets or cloth.
- Contamination: Protect harvested cotton from contamination by removing moisture, immature bolls, boll husks, ropes, twine, hair, and other materials.
- Human Hair: Female pickers should cover their heads to prevent human hair contamination.
- Post-Harvest: Expose picked cotton to sunlight for one or two days after harvesting to bring down moisture content.
Adherence to these practices will help farmers maintain the cleanliness, quality, and market value of cotton while reducing processing difficulties at ginning factories.
