Agro Field Unit issues advisory for farmers

Srinagar, Oct 24: In view of the weather disturbances, the Agro Field Unit Srinagar, Section of Agronomy and Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) today issued a fresh advisory for different farming activities in Kashmir valley.
Regarding apple harvesting, the advisory asked farmers to ensure the speedy harvest of fruits adding that harvesting of late varieties of fruit to be completed as soon as possible to avoid any damage.
“Maintain orchard sanitation by collecting the fallen leaves and fruits and dispose of them properly by burning or composting. Pruning of fruit trees should be started as soon as the leaves start yellowing,” the advisory said.
The advisory also asked the farmers to apply bordeaux/chaubatia paste on the cut surfaces and clean the drainage channels of the orchards to avoid water logging.
Regarding transplanting of vegetable seedlings it said sowing of onion should be done in well prepared and nursery beds may be completed under protected conditions.
“Sowing of leafy vegetables (spinach, fenugreek, coriander, orach, etc.) may be done under protected conditions. Sowing of leafy vegetables (spinach, fenugreek, coriander, orach, etc.) under open field conditions may be resumed when weather becomes dry,” the advisory said.
It said land preparation for sowing of peas, transplanting of onion seedlings and planting of garlic may be resumed only when weather becomes dry and soil becomes workable.
As the morning and night temperature is decreasing these days, it asked farmers to maintain temperature inside brooder sheds.
“Too high temperature inside the shed can cause dehydration of chicks while too low temperature can lead to huddling of chicks. Ensure proper ventilation to avoid accumulation of ammonia gas in the shed and prevent ascites in the birds,” it said.
The advisory asked the poultry farmers to store feed in well-ventilated and damp-proof rooms to avoid its spoilage and adhere strictly to vaccination schedules against prevalent diseases.
For floriculture, it asked farmers to continue collection of seeds of summer annual flowers as and when they matured and start planting of spring flowering bulbs.
“Start transplanting of winter flowering annuals. Prune the trees and shrubs to avoid damage by heavy snow during winter. Make preparations for protection of house plants during winter season,” the advisory said.
Regarding the care and maintenance of saffron it asked farmers to ensure clean culture is to be maintained to conserve moisture.
“Control rodents identify live rodent burrows. Aluminum phosphide pouches (5-10 g) should be placed in these live burrows @ 1 pouch/burrow. Cut the pouch and immediately place it in the burrow after ensuring that a certain amount of moisture is present where the pouch is kept,” the advisory said.