Palampur Varsity & IMD issued joint weather alerts warning farmers about climatic change and fungal diseases

Ch Sharwan Kumar Agriculture University Palampur & Indian Meteorological Department issued joint weather alerts which warned the Farmers especially to be ready for Climatic change oriented weather vagaries need immediate intervention.

On Friday a two-page communique tried to highlight the impact of maximum temperature and prevailing slightly high humidity which is increasing the threat of various fungal diseases especially harmful pests on cash crops, and off-season vegetables like Tomatos, Capsicum, and poultry farms. 

The outbreak of fungal diseases may promote by high humidity in the air and above normal maximum temperature as IMD indicates similar weather patterns following week will remain variable for the next 5 days. Light clouds (0-7 octa) will remain in most places.

 During the next 5 days from May 20 to May 24, district Sirmaur is likely to receive rainfall (10mm). The wind speed is likely to be 12-15 km/h. The relative humidity of the atmosphere in Sirmour district is expected to be between 10 to 36%. The maximum temperature is likely to be between 29-32°C and the minimum temperature is likely to be between 19-21°C. 

Farmers are advised to download Mausam Application (Aps) Meghdoot App and Damini App to get weather information, meteorological crop information, and lightning warnings at the right place at the right time for better crop production apps that should be used by the Farmers in daily life.

An Advisory was issued to maintain moisture in the fields,  mulching in the fields, and keeping the field clean from bushes, etc., this improves root growth and also saves water consumption. 

Shortt Message Advisory: Due to the possibility of scanty rainfall, farmers are advised to irrigate the fields and apply any fungicide, insecticide or fertilizer, if necessary. 

University warned Farmers to not ignore horticulture special Amadvice as the heatwave could cause back-breaking symptoms in the plant near the soils due to heat effect. The plant withers as soon as it is born from the seed. The affected plant falls to the ground. 

Farmers are advised to treat soil T beds with formalin (one liter of formalin per 7-10 liters of water) 15-20 days before tomato transplanting.

 Saw the seeds only when the smell of formalin stops from the soil. Treat the beds with Mancozeb (25 grams per 10 Irrigate with a solution of Carbedazim (5 grams per 10 liters of water) as soon as the symptoms of the disease appear. 

Scientists also draw attention to Farmers who are going to sow or sown Capsicum as  Regional Advisory of Cow plant diseases also may damage the crop.

Capsicum also develops symptoms of seasonal wilting disease as soon as the plant emerges from the seed. The affected plant falls to the ground. 

They are advised to treat the plant beds with formalin (1 liter of formalin per 7-10 liters of water) 15-20 days before transplanting. Sow the seeds only when the smell of formalin stops from the soil. Treat the beds with Mancozeb (25 grams per 10 liters of water).

Moreover, Capsicum and other crops like eggplants may also cause an outbreak of Fusarium wilt as Plants affected by this disease suddenly turn yellow and then wither.

 Before planting, Farmers are also advised to treat the plants with Bevistin solution. Soak one gram per liter of water for 20 minutes and irrigate with Indofil M 45 (25 grams / 10 liters of water) solution at the time of flowering. 

Horticulture crops like Stone fruits and Gauva also developed seasonal 

Pest  Blister beetle.  This pest feeds on the main parts of the flower, leave, and sucks their juice, due to which there is a decrease in the yield of okra.

To rid of the beetle Farmers should treat the plants with Malathion for its prevention. Sprinkle ml (Cythion and Malathion 50 Ec) dissolved in a liter of water.

In Animal Husbandry specific advice also sounded on the onset of the summer season.

Dairy owners are advised to keep their cattle sheds well-ventilated and arrange fans and sprinklers during peak summer. Protect animals from direct sunlight and provide adlib and clean water throughout the day.

 Farmers are advised to get their animals vaccinated against HS-BQ and FMD. The shed floor should be cleaned at least twice a day and disinfected with 1-2% phenyl solution. The construction of the floor should be rigid, impervious to water, and easy to clean. Poultry farmers are advised to keep their poultry sheds well well-ventilated and avoid overcrowding. 

Due to the delayed ripening of Rabi crops in mid-hills, Farmers are harvesting the crops and are advised to start harvesting and threshing their crops when the weather is clear.  Before sawing Kharif crops in advance they should pay attention to the field conditions. They should keep in touch with the Agriculture, Horticulture Officer, Veterinarian, or Krishi Vigyan Kendra of their area. Since a typical weather, an advisory was prepared for them which may reduce harm to their crops.

IMD also issued yellow alerts for May 22 &23 forecasting rough weather conditions including thunderstorms, lightning, and rain isolated to many places that may damage standing crops, fruit, and young plants. Farmers should reschedule the spray on the crops, avoiding adverse impacts on the young plants due to thunderstorms, rain, and inclement weather.