(i) Climate and soil requirement:
Rainfed cotton thrives in tropical and subtropical climates with 400–700 mm rainfall. Black cotton soils with high moisture retention are most suitable. Temperature range of 20–35°C is ideal.

(ii) Methods of sowing and seed rate:
Sowing is done with bullock-drawn seed drills or tractors at 75–90 cm row spacing. Seed rate is 15–20 kg/ha for desi cotton and 12–15 kg/ha for hybrids. Seed treatment with fungicides and bio-inoculants improves germination.

(iii) Manures and fertilizers:
Application of 8–10 t/ha FYM improves soil structure. Fertilizer recommendation is 80–100 kg N, 40–50 kg P₂O₅, and 40–60 kg K₂O/ha. Zinc and boron supplementation enhances boll setting. Split nitrogen application ensures better use efficiency.

(iv) Inter-culture operations:
Two to three hoeings and intercultures keep fields weed-free. Thinning at 15–20 days maintains optimum plant population. Mulching conserves soil moisture. Earthing up provides support and reduces lodging.

(v) Plant protection:
Major pests include bollworms, jassids, and whitefly. Integrated pest management includes resistant Bt hybrids, pheromone traps, biological agents, and judicious insecticide use. For diseases like wilt and leaf spot, seed treatment and crop rotation are effective.

These practices together ensure sustainable cotton yields in rainfed areas.