Cotton farming

Though cotton is of great demand in our country, its cultivation has not been popularised among the farmers. Bangladesh can meet up only 1 per cent of its cotton demand. The country imports around 7 million bales of cotton annually. One bale equals 480 pounds or 218 kg.
In fact, cotton is a profitable crop and if farmers can be inspired to produce cotton, they would be immensely benefitted.
We have achieved success in developing rice and wheat cultivation through research work to increase production of these major cereal crops for attaining food security, similarly we should concentrate on more research to enhance cotton production.
The authorities should also inform the farmers about benefits of its cultivation so that they come forward spontaneously to promote cotton farming to reap more profits.
Besides, research on cotton cultivation has also not got that much priority by the policymakers.
According to experts, farmers can cultivate two more crops on the same land after cultivating cotton annually in northern region where a tendency of tobacco farming is still prevailing despite government efforts of discouraging tobacco cultivation.
The riverine char areas of the northern region of Bangladesh are also suitable for cotton cultivation. The government should take due steps to popularise cotton farming in the country.
Shajahan Khan
Dhap Road, Rangpur