Srinagar, July 16: The Agro Field Unit Srinagar, Section of Agronomy and Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh advisory for different farming activities and asked orchardists to provide adequate drainage to avoid water stagnation and maintain sanitation.
For apples, the advisory suggested orchardists provide adequate drainage to avoid water stagnation and maintain orchard sanitation.
Regarding fruit development in apples, it suggested that after 12 to 15 days after Fruit Development-II spray Mancozeb or Zineb or Ziram or Chlorothalonil.
It said after 12-18 days after Fruit Development–III spray and for alternaria leaf blotch and scab spray Zineb or Hexaconazole or Myclobutanil or Metiram.
“For Marssonina leaf blotch/Sooty blotch/ Flyspeck spray Mancozeb or Ziram or Propineb or Ziram or Metiram,” the advisory said.
Regarding vegetables, it suggested farmers to do hand pollination in bottle gourd to enhance yields and provide irrigation in vegetable crops especially at flowering stage to avoid stress.
“Provide proper staking to bottle gourd, cucumber, bittergourd etc. and indeterminate tomatoes. Ensure clipping of lower/aged/ damaged leaves to improve ventilation in tomato plants. Maintain weed free conditions in all vegetable crop fields. Avoid flooding in Chilli and Capsicum. Dehaulming may be done in potatoes,” it said.
Regarding maize it suggested farmers to go for 1st manual weeding when the plants are 10-12 cm tall i.e. 30 days after sowing followed by second weeding 10-15 days after first one.
“Apply entire top dose of 100 kg urea/ha in a single dose at the time of second weeding-cum-hoeing in case of rainfed maize,” it said.
Regarding rice, it said that for varieties planted in lower belts, urea @ 3.6 kg/kanal, should be applied as the first top dose at 20-25 days after transplanting.
“For varieties planted in higher belts, urea @ 2.25 kg/kanal, should be applied as the first top dose at 20-25 days after transplanting,” the advisory said.
“For varieties planted in water logged areas, urea @ 2.45 kg/kanal, should be applied as the first top dose at 20-25 days after transplanting. Manual weeding should be carried out at 15-20 days after application of herbicide. Wherever the incidence of weeds like Potamogeton distinctus and Marsilia quadrifolia is observed, alternate wetting and drying should be followed. Maintain 2-3 cm level of water in general,” it said.
Regarding care and maintenance of saffron it said in order to control rodents identify live burrows. “Aluminium phosphide pouches (5-10g) 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,” it said.
The advisory said for fresh plantation of saffron, ensure deep ploughing to a depth of 30 cm adding that ploughing should be done in the same furrow to achieve required depth.
Regarding cattle, the advisory suggested farmers keep the grazing animals under proper vigil due to the extra chances of bloat/tympany during the current early spring season.
“To prevent chances of heat stress, provide the grazing time during early morning and late evenings and provide ample cold water to the animals,” it said.
For sheep and goats, it advised avoiding grazing areas with lush growth of clovers.
“For effective prevention against foot rot in sheep, keep the sheds/paddocks and animals hygienic and in case of infections clean the feet of the animal with potassium permanganate/copper sulphate after removing the dirt and mud from their feet,” it said.
Regarding poultry, the advisory said when the birds arrive at the farm, farmers should provide them with an instant energy source like glucose solution.
“Maintain optimum brooding temperature in the shed during brooding of chicks. Litter material must be frequently raked to prevent the problems of wet litter,” it said.
It also suggested ensuring proper ventilation in the shed to avoid accumulation of harmful gases and follow proper vaccination schedules against prevalent diseases.
Regarding floriculture, it is suggested to irrigate lawns/flower beds regularly as when needed and harvest the lilium cut flowers at colour break stage to avoid keeping quality of flowers.
“Keep on removing suckers from budded rose plants. Collect seeds from spring-flowering annuals. Transplanting of summer and autumn flowering seasons must be completed,” it added.
For sericulture, it said silkworm rearing had almost come to an end and farmers are requested to harvest the cocoons so that damage due to moth emergence can be avoided.
Regarding mushrooms, the advisory said proper preventive measures should always be taken against the spread of any pest/disease, competitor mould and its further dissemination to other trays and bags.
“Mushroom butts should not be left on the bags/trays and harvested portions should be cased immediately. Open and diseased mushrooms should immediately be harvested and dipped in formalin solution. Disinfected tools should be used for harvesting,” it said.
For fisheries, it said in view of increasing temperature there are chances of fungal and parasitic infestations at fish farms. It advised to maintain good water quality to minimize disease outbreaks.
