Kashmir varsity releases advisory for UT farmers amid prolonged dry spell

With Kashmir witnessing persistent dry weather, experts from the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) have issued an urgent advisory urging farmers to prioritise soil moisture conservation and immediate crop protection measures to mitigate the impact of rising temperatures and lack of precipitation.

In a statement, the university urged farmers across the Valley to adopt timely crop management practices, emphasising that the primary goal during this period must be to protect crops from heat stress and soil desiccation.

“For fruit growers, the most critical recommendation is the application of 4–6 inches of organic mulch, such as paddy straw or grass clippings, to tree basins to retain moisture,” it said.

Experts from SKUAST-K’s Division of Agrometeorology have also warned against the use of inorganic mulches such as polythene sheets, which can inadvertently increase soil temperature and damage root systems.

“In orchards lacking irrigation, the university advises delaying all fertiliser applications until sufficient soil moisture is available and cautions against excessive hoeing or heavy tractor movement that could further dry out the land,” the statement said.

The advisory also extends to field crops, where growers of wheat, mustard and peas have been advised to monitor their fields regularly and prioritise weed removal through intercultural operations to eliminate competition for limited water.

“Urea application in these crops should be strictly limited to 2.5 kg per kanal and only performed when adequate moisture is present. For the vegetable and floriculture sectors, particularly tulip cultivation, the university recommends light and frequent irrigation during the early morning or late evening hours,” the advisory said.

It added that nursery beds for sensitive crops such as tomato, chilli, capsicum and cabbage should be protected with shade nets or straw coverings to mitigate heat stress.

Additionally, “raking the soil in orchards can help expose dormant pupae and grubs to sunlight, while the installation of 8–10 pheromone traps per hectare is recommended to monitor apple leaf blotch and fruit borer,” the university said.

The advisory also covers the fisheries sector. “Fish farmers should maintain a water depth of 1.5–2 metres and reduce feeding rates to 1–1.5 per cent of body weight during low oxygen conditions, utilising high-protein floating pellets supplemented with Vitamin C and probiotics to ensure fish health during this challenging climatic phase,” it said.