SKUAST-Kashmir issues advisory for farmers amid scorching heatwave, prolonged dry spell

Srinagar, July 06: In response to the ongoing above-normal temperatures and extended dry spell across Kashmir Valley, the Directorate of Extension at SKUAST-Kashmir has issued a detailed advisory urging farmers to adopt precautionary and crop-specific measures to minimize yield and productivity losses.

In an advisory issued by Director Extension, SKUAST-Kashmir a copy of which lies with news agency JKNS reads, In view of the prevailing above-normal temperatures and prolonged dry spell across the Kashmir Valley, farmers are advised to take timely measures to minimize stress and avoid potential yield and productivity losses.

Farmers are advised to carry all field operations and interventions preferably during the cooler parts of the day (early morning or late evening) and follow the commodity/ crop specific recommendations, it reads.

For Rice: Irrigate early morning/evening. Watch for blast disease In failed rainfed fields, prepare land for moong as a contingent crop. For Maize & Pulse: Provide protective irrigation Mulch the fields to retain soil moisture, it reads.

For Vegetables: Irrigate in cooler hours and avoid transplanting if soil too dry Mulch the beds and manual weeding be carried to avoid moisture loss, it reads.

Apple Orchards: Irrigate regularly and whitewash tree trunks to prevent sunburn. Mulch for moisture conservation and keep watch for scab & mites as high temperature may trigger outbreak, it reads.

For Floriculture: Maintain moisture through mulching Agroforestry & Forest Areas: Delay fertilizer application and pruning. Conserve moisture using organic mulch and maintain firebreaks and remove dry fuel, it reads.

Livestock (Cattle, Sheep, Goats): Provide clean, cool water ad libitum. Keep shelters shaded and clean. Restrict grazing to morning/evening. Avoid lush green fodder during peak heat (risk of bloat). Deworm regularly, it reads.

For Poultry: Ensure proper ventilation and shade. Add glucose/vitamin supplements in water. Provide shaded roaming areas and avoid overcrowding, it reads.

For Apiculture: Regulate hive temperature with wet gunny bags and place clean water near hives, advisory reads.

For Sericulture: Maintain hygiene and proper ventilation. Avoid feeding wet leaves. Disinfect rearing rooms before next cycle. Ensure sericulture hygiene and environmental control to avoid cocoon deformities and silkworm stress, it reads.

For Fisheries: Use aerators and maintain adequate water depth. Apply lime and monitor dissolved oxygen levels to avoid mortality. Reduce feeding during high temperatures, reads the advisory. (JKNS)