Bhubaneswar: The Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment Department of the state issued an advisory on Monday regarding crop management in light of the nor’wester (Kala Baisakhi) expected to last until April 18.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the nor’wester is likely to cause thundershowers in several parts of the state until Friday, with winds and rainfall speeds reaching 40 to 50 km/h.
The advisory provides the following agricultural guidance to farmers for effective crop management:
- Immediate Harvesting: Farmers are advised to harvest ready-to-reap crops such as green gram (Muga), black gram (Biri), and groundnut (China Badam) without delay and store them in safe, dry locations.
- Vegetable Protection: Crops like pointed gourd (Potal), cucumber (Kakudi), pumpkin (Kakharu), watermelon (Tarabhuja), bringal (Baigana), and lady’s finger (Bhendi), which are vulnerable to heavy rain, should be harvested if mature. Vine vegetables should be supported using the Ranja (trail) method and reinforced.
- Drainage Management: Adequate drainage should be ensured in vegetable fields to prevent waterlogging.
- Pesticide Use: If pesticide application is necessary, it should be done in the morning, preferably with adhesive agents (stickers).
- Irrigation Pause: Irrigation activities should be temporarily suspended during this period.
- Cash Crop Safety: Protective nets should be placed over cash crops and secured with stakes to prevent damage from rain or hail.
Farmers seeking further assistance can contact their nearest Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Regional Agricultural Research Center, or reach out to the Agriculture Officer through the toll-free number 155333.
