MULTAN, Feb 23 (APP):Director Central Cotton Research Institute, Ms. Sabahat Hussain, has urged growers to use laser land levelers for field preparation ahead of cotton sowing, calling it a critical step for achieving higher yields and resource efficiency.
In a statement issued here on Monday, she said proper land leveling ensures uniform distribution of irrigation water, enabling all plants to receive equal moisture for balanced growth. The technique can help farmers save up to 15–20 percent in irrigation water and fertilizers, while improving per-acre productivity.
She warned that uneven fields often cause water stagnation, which increases the risk of crop diseases and adversely affects overall yield.
Highlighting soil suitability, Ms. Hussain said fertile loamy soils are most appropriate for cotton cultivation due to their superior water absorption and moisture retention capacity. She maintained that saline, waterlogged, sandy and heavy clay soils were generally less suitable. However, she added that with expert guidance and ridge planting techniques, cotton could also be grown successfully on such lands.
She advised farmers to prioritize scientific land preparation and adopt modern agricultural practices to ensure a healthy, disease-resistant crop and better financial returns.