Qudsia Bano

Experts have emphasised the urgent need for laser land levelling in cotton farming, highlighting its potential to enhance yield, improve water efficiency, and reduce input costs.

Speaking at a recent seminar on modern agricultural practices, Dr Muhammad Naveed Afzal, Director of the Central Cotton Research Institute (CCRI), Multan, urged farmers to adopt laser land levelling before the upcoming cotton sowing season. He explained that proper land preparation ensures uniform water distribution, minimises wastage, and enhances fertilizer efficiency, ultimately leading to a 15-20% increase in yield.

Agricultural specialists believe that in a country like Pakistan, where water scarcity and rising input costs pose significant challenges, precision agriculture techniques such as laser land levelling can play a transformative role. Uneven fields often lead to waterlogging, which increases crop diseases and reduces productivity. By adopting laser land levelling, farmers can optimise water usage and significantly improve soil conditions, allowing for better cotton growth.

Economic analysts stress that laser land levelling not only benefits crop health but also enhances cost efficiency. Talking to WealthPK, Dr Ali Raza, Principal Scientific Officer at Pakistan Agricultural Research Centre, said laser levelling can reduce water and fertilizer usage by up to 20%, directly lowering production costs. “This is particularly crucial at a time when high input prices are affecting the profitability of cotton growers.”

He further explained that loamy and fertile soils are ideal for cotton cultivation as they absorb water effectively and retain moisture for longer periods. “However, even saline, sandy, or clayey soils, which are typically unsuitable for cotton farming, can be made productive through ridge sowing techniques combined with precise land levelling.” Government initiatives have been instrumental in promoting modern farming practices, with subsidy programmes making laser land levelling equipment more accessible to farmers.

Dr Muhammad Zakria, Principal Scientific Officer at the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), said that embracing precision agriculture, including advanced irrigation methods and digital monitoring systems, would be crucial in enhancing Pakistan’s cotton output. “The adoption of such technologies can help farmers combat the challenges posed by climate change, pest attacks, and fluctuating global prices.”

Pakistan’s cotton sector has long been a cornerstone of the economy, but inconsistent yields and declining productivity have posed significant threats to its sustainability. Experts assert that improving on-farm efficiency through laser land levelling will be essential for ensuring long-term growth in the industry. Zakria emphasised that laser land levelling is not merely a cost-saving measure but a step toward sustainable cotton production.

He stressed that with evolving environmental conditions, adopting modern agricultural techniques is no longer an option but a necessity. “With the government’s push for advanced farming practices and the increasing awareness among farmers, laser land levelling could prove to be a game-changer. By boosting yields, cutting costs, and promoting sustainability, this technology can transform Pakistan’s agricultural landscape and secure a prosperous future for cotton growers,” he said.

Credit: INP-WealthPk