A one-day workshop on Special Project on Cotton (HDPS & CS) was organized on 29th September 2025 at KVK Training Hall, Bhuvan Research Farm, Hayatnagar. The programme aimed to sensitize farmers, extension staff and stakeholders on the latest technological interventions in High-Density Planting System (HDPS) and Compact Spacing (CS) in cotton. The programme was organized by KVK Rangareddy, ICAR-CRIDA, Hyderabad.

Dr. V.K. Singh, Director, ICAR-CRIDA, Hyderabad, the chief guest, he addressed the gathering on the importance of cotton in dryland agriculture and the need for farmer-centric technology dissemination. He called for strong collaboration between research institutions and field workers to accelerate the impact of the study.

Dr. Chandrakant M.H., Senior Scientist & Head, KVK Rangareddy, delivered the welcome address and stressed the role of innovative technologies in enhancing cotton productivity and sustainability.

Smt. Sujatha, ADA, Ibrahimpatanam, Rangareddy District, the guest of honour at the event and encouraged farmers to adopt modern cotton production technologies for higher yields. She stressed on linking farmers with government schemes and subsidies to ensure wider adoption.

Dr. K.V. Rao, Head (DRM), ICAR-CRIDA, delivered a speech on water management in HDPS & CS cotton. He urged the participants to adopt a scientific approach in agriculture and highlighted the role of KVK in technology dissemination and recommended drip irrigation and mulching as proven methods to save water and improve yields.

Dr. G. Pratibha, Principal Scientist (Agronomy), ICAR-CRIDA, explained on crop management under HDPS & CS systems. She highlighted the need for balanced nutrient management and integrated pest management for long-term sustainability.

Dr. DBV Ramana, ICAR-CRIDA, Principal Scientist & SIC (GRF), discussed the formation of grower groups in cotton. He emphasized that collective bargaining power helps farmers in getting better prices and inputs.

Dr. S. Vijaya Kumar, SMS (Agricultural Engineering), KVK, presented an overview of the achievements under the Special Project on Cotton, highlighting the progress made in adopting HDPS and CS systems in the district. He explained that mechanization support and timely guidance have significantly improved the confidence of farmers in these systems.

Shri B. Suryaprakash Reddy, RASI Seeds District Manager, while addressing on seed management, stressed the importance of high quality seeds in achieving good yields. He assured the farmers that private seed companies are ready to support with demonstrations and farmer training.

Mr. Godse Satyanarayana Goud, Product Development Manager, US Seeds, concluded the session by sharing insights on seed selection for HDPS & CS systems. He stressed the importance of selecting varieties to suit local agro-climatic conditions. Progressive cotton farmers from Rangareddy district shared their experiences on growing cotton under HDPS and CS systems. Their insights highlighted the practical benefits and challenges of adopting new production technologies. Farmers reported improved plant population, higher boll production and reduced pest incidence under HDPS compared to conventional spacing.

In the afternoon session, participants visited farm implements & machinery and farms. The workshop successfully created awareness among farmers, scientists and stakeholders about the importance of HDPS & CS in improving cotton productivity and sustainability.

The interactions between scientists, extension officers, seed companies and progressive farmers provided a comprehensive platform for knowledge exchange. The programme concluded with a call for farmers to adopt HDPS & CS systems on a large scale to increase cotton productivity in the region. KVK and CRIDA staff A total of 41 participants from villages of Manchal, Madgul and Amangal cluster and other institutions and organizations participated.