How Farmers Can Protect Their Crops from Extreme Heat and Heatwaves, Advice from Agricultural Scientists

Farmers are facing numerous challenges due to the scorching heat. Agricultural scientists have issued crucial advice to help farmers manage their crops during this period. Scientists from the Agricultural Physics Division have recommended that farmers regularly provide light irrigation to vegetable nurseries, summer crops, and fruit orchards to protect them from heatwaves and hot winds. They have also provided specific guidelines for farmers to follow during this time.

Maintain Moisture in Vine Crops and Vegetables:

During this season, it is crucial to maintain light moisture in vine crops and vegetables. Low soil moisture can cause plants to wilt, leading to reduced crop yields. Regular light irrigation is essential for vegetable nurseries and fruit crops.

Recommended Crops for Sowing:

Farmers can sow sunn hemp and dhaincha for green manure during the summer. The seed rate for sunn hemp is 60-70 kg per hectare, and for dhaincha, it is 50-60 kg per hectare. Ensuring sufficient moisture in the field is vital for good germination. Additionally, farmers can sow forage crops like guar, maize, and millet this week. Sufficient moisture should be maintained in the field at the time of sowing. Seeds should be planted at a depth of 3-4 cm with a row spacing of 25-30 cm. Prepare fields for the sowing of pigeon pea and cotton, and ensure to purchase seeds from a certified source.

Harvest Vegetables in the Evening: 

Farmers should harvest vegetables in the morning or evening. After harvesting, keep the vegetables in a shaded area. For okra crops, apply 5-10 kg of urea per acre after harvesting and continuously monitor for mite infestations. If there is a significant presence of pests, spray the crop with a mixture of 1.5-2 ml of ethion per liter of water.

Protect Crops from Pests: 

To protect brinjal and tomato crops from shoot and fruit borers, collect and destroy the affected fruits and shoots. If the pest infestation is high, use Spinosad insecticide. Spray a solution of 1 ml Spinosad 48 EC per 4 liters of water on the crops.