Agricultural Scientists Provide Essential Advice to Farmers

Easy measures suggested to protect Kharif crops from pests, diseases and drought conditions

Shivpuri (Sadwarta)
Atul Jain Report

Due to the impact of El Niño, Shivpuri district has received significantly less rainfall than normal so far this year. Till 21 July, the district has recorded only 182.32 mm of rainfall, which is just 22.34 percent of the average rainfall. Considering the possibility of adverse effects on Kharif crops due to low rainfall, agricultural scientists have provided important technical advice to farmers for crop protection.

Senior Scientist and Head of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Shivpuri, Dr. Puneet Kumar and Senior Scientist (Agronomy) Dr. M.K. Bhargava have advised farmers to adopt scientific methods and take necessary precautions according to the prevailing weather conditions.

Irrigation Management During Low Rainfall

Scientists informed that in fields where Kharif crops have already been sown, crop growth may be affected due to insufficient rainfall. Farmers should provide irrigation through rain guns or sprinklers as required. For crops like tomato and chilli, adopting the drip irrigation system can ensure better growth with less water.

Sowing Possible in Empty Fields Till the End of July

Farmers whose fields are still vacant can sow crops like urad (black gram), moong (green gram), sesame and pearl millet till the end of July.

Weed Control and Moisture Conservation are Important

Agricultural scientists advised farmers to carry out timely weeding and intercultural operations in soybean, groundnut, urad, moong and maize crops. They also suggested spreading crop residues in fields to maintain soil moisture for a longer period.

Farmers were advised to spray weedicide only when there is sufficient moisture in the soil, as the effectiveness of the medicine may reduce in dry conditions. They were also advised not to mix weedicide and insecticide applications together and to use them separately.

Protection of Soybean Crop from Girdle Beetle Pest

The girdle beetle pest damages soybean crops by making rings around branches. For its control, farmers have been advised to spray Thiacloprid 21.7% SC at the rate of 750 ml per hectare, mixed with 500 litres of water.

Protect Pulses from Yellow Mosaic Disease

Crops like urad, moong, groundnut and soybean may be affected by Yellow Mosaic Disease. To control this disease, farmers have been advised to spray Dimethoate 30 EC at 1.5 ml per litre of water.

Monitor Fall Armyworm Attack in Maize

The Fall Armyworm pest causes rapid damage to maize leaves and affects crop health. For its control, farmers have been advised to spray Emamectin Benzoate at 0.5 ml per litre of water or Chlorantraniliprole at 0.4 ml per litre of water.

Agricultural scientists have appealed to farmers to contact their nearest Agriculture Officer or experts of Krishi Vigyan Kendra for proper guidance in case of any crop-related problem.