ICAR-CIRCOT Clean Cotton Picking Training Programme at Sirsa, Haryana on 30.09.2022

A One Day On-farm Training Camp–cum-Demonstration on Clean Cotton Picking was organized at village Shahpur Begu in Sirsa District (Haryana) on 30.9.2022 by Quality Evaluation Unit of the ICAR-CIRCOT. Dr. Hamid Hasan, Officer Incharge, QEU practically demonstrated clean cotton picking technology and imparted training to participating farmers followed by on-farm live demonstration in the field of Shri Raja Ram Karadawal, a progressive farmer in Sirsa district. The farmers were provided clean cotton picking aids viz. apron, headgear, cotton collection sheets, cotton bags etc. Dr. Hamid Hasan delivered a detailed lecture on various aspects of clean cotton picking, storage and transportation. The farmers were explained menace of trash and contamination in cotton and how does it impact market rate of their produce which results in cotton fetching lower price in market. They were made aware of various precautionary measures and steps on how to reduce trash content and contamination in cotton while picking, storing and transporting. In all, 20 farmers including Progressive Women Farmers participated in the training programme. Notable among them were Mrs. Manju Rani, a well known progressive farm woman in the region and Shri Raja Ram Karadawal, Secretary, Kisan Club, Sirsa. Shri Raja Ram Karadawal also asked the farmers to produce neat and clean cotton for the benefit of all the stakeholders. A display of commonly found Contaminants at mill level was also made for the awareness of farmers.