Srinagar, Nov 9: In view of a dip in temperature and possible snowfall in Kashmir, the agro field unit Srinagar, agro unit SKUAST-K and Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) have issued an advisory for saffron, vegetable, apple trees, poultry, sericulture and fisheries, and appealed to farmers to take precautionary measures.
The advisory has asked farmers to maintain proper drainage channels in the field to avoid water stagnation in the case of rabi crops like wheat, oat, pea, lentil, etc.
For fodder crops, the advisory appealed to farmers to maintain adequate drainage channels in fields to avoid water stagnation. Similarly, saffron and vegetable farmers have been advised to maintain drainage channels in the field to avoid water stagnation.
Regarding apple trees, it said that in case of heavy snowfall shake the trees to remove snow immediately from the branches and crotches.
“Provide proper support to the limbs/plants which aren’t strong enough to withstand the load of snow. To avoid tilting of fruit trees, reduce canopy load by pruning and providing support. If the trees get partially uprooted, slowly pull back trees to the original position after heavy pruning and provide proper support to the main trunk to prevent further fall,” it said.
Regarding cattle or cows, the advisory said that farmers should take extra care in maintaining the proper temperature in animal sheds.
“Pasture grazing should be timed during cool hours of the day i.e. early morning and late evening. During hot hours of the day, animals should be housed in sufficiently capacious well-ventilated sheds or in open shaded places with the availability of clean, cold water,” it said.
The advisory suggested that dairy cattle should be fed high-quality forage and feed added with minerals especially sodium, potassium and magnesium along with supplementary fat. “Frequency of feeding should be increased with total calibrated feed provided in proportionately decreased quantities to ensure adequate intake with least spoilage,” it said.
Regarding sheep and goats, it advised proper sanitation in and around the paddocks/sheds while the night stay premises of the animals should be kept clean and dry. “Avoid mixing of flocks to prevent the spread of diseases. Supplement concentrates/feeds to livestock over and above the normal grazing on available pastures. Proper anthelmintic dosing should be carried out as per the needs of the area. Take extra care in maintaining the proper temperature in animal sheds,” it added.
The advisory asked poultry owners to take extra care in maintaining proper temperature in poultry sheds in view of the dip in temperatures while the proper temperature inside brooder sheds is important.
“Too high temperature inside the shed can cause dehydration of chicks while the too low temperature can lead to huddling of chicks. Ensure proper ventilation to avoid the accumulation of ammonia gas in the shed and prevent ascites in birds,” it said.
“Proper humidity within the shed must be ensured to avoid caking of litter. Provide clean drinking water to the birds. Use water sanitizers and acidifiers if required. Store feed in well-ventilated and damp-proof rooms to avoid spoilage. Adhere strictly to the vaccination schedule against prevalent diseases,” the advisory read.
For floriculture, the advisory asked farmers to maintain proper drainage channels in the field to avoid water stagnation while planting of spring flowering bulbs like tulips, iris, daffodils, etc. may be continued. “Transplanting of winter flowering annuals may be continued. Prune trees and shrubs to avoid damage by heavy snow during winter. Make preparations for the protection of house plants during the winter season,” it said.
Regarding the maintenance of apiculture, it suggested the extraction of honey from colonies. “Keep sufficient feeding in the colonies for winter. Remove super from colonies. Shift colonies from hilly areas to plains,” it said.
For sericulture, it said since the second commercial silkworm rearing has ended, farmers are advised to ensure complete disinfection of rearing rooms and rearing appliances. “Farmers should dismantle low-cost rearing huts and preserve the various accessories of the hut under the well-roofed shed for future use. Complete sun drying of cocoons should be ensured before storage to avoid any fungal damage to the cocoons,” it added.
Regarding mushroom cultivation, it suggested that the first harvest of button mushrooms is made 25 to 30 days after casing and the commercial crop is harvested up to 30 to 45 days. “After harvesting of mushrooms, casing material should be added and pressed gently to level the holes formed due to harvesting of mushroom,” it said.
Regarding fisheries, the advisory suggested that during the rainy season avoid direct entry of silt into the pond/raceway and examine water quality on regular basis to avoid stress to fish. “Monitor swimming pattern of fish, bring diseased samples to Aquaclinic at Faculty of Fisheries, Rangil Ganderbal. In case of fish mortality get connected to Aqua-clinic via Fish Health Android App for support and guidance,” it said.
