Organic Cotton Training Curriculum-Pakistan

This module provides an overview of training methods for farm extension, including planning activities for the cotton season.

This module provides an overview of cotton farming in Pakistan, difference between traditional and organic farming principles and an introduction to organic agriculture and certification. 

Delving into the different cotton species and varieties, this module explains the importance of finding suitable cultivars and quality seeds for organic cotton, as well as practices preventing GM contamination.  

In this module, we delve into soil variations suitable for cultivating organic cotton, the essential steps of land preparation, sowing techniques, and optimal spacing for cotton plants. 

This module gives an understanding of the cotton plant and its development stages. Explore various components of the cotton plant, including the early season, mid-season, and late season. 

This module highlights the importance of healthy soils. It also covers organic soil fertility management, soil conservation practices, nutrient requirements specific to cotton, and the use of compost.

This module centers on the selection of pest-resistant cultivars to sustain a thriving crop and safeguard the soil against pest infestations. It offers crucial insights into utilising bio inputs.

This module introduces the water requirements of cotton, exploring topics such as soil moisture conservation, rainfed cotton, and irrigation practices.  

This module educates on the advantages of crop diversification, covering options, suitable crops, and recommendations. It also provides insights into organic management for the selection of alternative crops. 

Within this module, we explore practices such as picking, addressing challenges like foreign fiber contamination. The focus is on best practices for both harvest and post-harvest handling by the farmer.

This module provides a summary of the various training and activities that a farm project would engage in throughout different stages of the cotton season in Pakistan.

Focused on enhancing business skills in organic farming, this module covers topics such as farm business planning and strategy, farm business performance assessment, financial management.

It explains the fundamental principles of group certification, highlighting the function of the Internal Control System (ICS). It delves into the organic certification process for smallholder farmers in grower groups.