Assessment of Climate Reactive Strategies for Improving Cotton Yield in Gujarat, India

Abstract

Moderate to severe moisture stress at the critical stage in rainfed cotton is a major constraints toward low cotton production. The main objectives of the proposed study is  to find out the degrees of moisture stress in rainfed cotton growing region of the Gujarat state and provide suitable remedial measures through creation of water resources structures, harvest of excess rainwater of  rainy season and use as supplemental irrigation during  dry spell period as well as after withdrawal of monsoon. Hence computation of reference evapotranspiration (ETo), actual water demand and its utilization strategy is imperative to boost rainfed cotton production. In order to address these problems, daily meteorological data were collected from 2001 to 2011 for 10 cotton-growing districts in Gujarat, India. Multiple regression analyses were then conducted between lint yields and various climatic variables, as well as crop evapotranspiration (ETc) at four crucial stages of cotton growth. Calculations were made for several non-Bt and Bt cotton-growing years to determine the water shortage, surplus, real evapotranspiration, soil storage, and change in soil water storage. ETo was found to be 662-947, 414-687, and 1076-1596 mm, respectively, and rainfall was found to be 490-1150, 5.5-35, and 442-1210 mm from June to December, January to April, and the entire crop growth period. Based on the meteorological data, it is determined that in rainfed situations, extra irrigation is necessary both during the extended cotton growth season (January-April) and after the monsoon rains have stopped.The cotton boll growth stage might create effective use of the rainwater that was saved, which ultimately boosts WUE and lint yield.