In several regions of North India, intense cold is being observed. Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana are facing a severe cold wave along with dense fog. In such circumstances, the concern for potential damage to farmers' crops is the highest. Agricultural experts are currently providing useful advice to farmers, which, if adopted, can significantly protect crops from the impact of the cold. Let's explore some of these recommendations...
According to agricultural experts, to prevent diamondback moth damage in cruciferous crops such as cauliflower, split cabbage, and fruit borer in tomatoes, pheromone traps should be installed at the rate of 3-4 traps per acre. In this cold season, the sowing of turnips, cauliflower, and cabbage can be carried out on ridges. Farmers can sow spinach, coriander, and fenugreek. For leafy growth, they can apply 20 kg of urea per acre.
Continuous monitoring is necessary to protect potatoes and tomatoes from late blight disease. In case symptoms of late blight are observed, carbendazim at a rate of 1.0 gram per liter of water or mancozeb (Dithane M-45) at a rate of 2.0 grams per liter of water can be sprayed. For onions sown at the right time in this season, vigilance is required against thrips attacks. Control measures against purple blotch disease in onions should be taken. In case the symptoms of the disease are found, spray diazinon M-45 at 3 grams/liter of water or any sticky substance such as Teepol, etc. (1 gram per liter of solution) mixed with water.
If more yields is desired for peas, a 2% urea solution can be sprayed on the crop. In wheat crops, if signs of termite infestation are observed, for preventive measures, farmers can mix chlorpyrifos 20 EC at 2.0 liters per acre with 20 kg of sand and spread it in the field in the evening followed by irrigation. This can help mitigate potential losses to the crop.
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