Experts advise crop, livestock management to mitigate heat impacts

Weather experts at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) have issued a warning to farmers regarding the heatwave gripping North India. Dr PK Kingra, Head of the Department of Agricultural Meteorology and Climate Change, provided key guidelines for crop management, highlighting while timely sown rabi crops are nearing maturity, late-sown vegetable and fruit crops could suffer from heat stress, exacerbated by increased water demand. She advised farmers to monitor crops for signs of heat and water stress. To reduce heat stress on fruit crops, she recommended adequate protection and proper moisture maintenance through irrigation. She also suggested using straw mulch to reduce heat exposure for young plants.

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On livestock management, Dr Kingra stressed the importance of shielding animals and pets from the extreme heat. “To prevent heat stress and dehydration, keep animals indoors with frequent access to water and nutritious food,” she advised.