Fog, frost threats to agriculture, dairy sectors: Experts

As the district continues to reel under severe cold accompanied by dense fog, experts warn that these weather conditions are a threat to the agriculture and dairy sectors.

The conditions have been cold and foggy for the past four to five days and the weather experts have warned that the mercury is likely to dip even further.

Punjab Agricultural University and Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University have cautioned that the extreme weather poses significant risks to crops as well as livestock, urging farmers to adopt protective measures to safeguard their produce and health.

Agricultural experts say that vegetable crops, newly planted orchards and tender fruits are particularly vulnerable to frost. To mitigate the impact of the weather conditions, the experts advise farmers to provide light irrigation to maintain soil moisture and moderate micro-climate. Balanced nutrient application, use of mulches and installation of protective barriers on the north-west side of fields can help shield crops from cold winds, they say.

The experts recommend regular field visits to monitor crop health and implement timely interventions.

For livestock, extreme cold can severely affect milk production and overall animal health. Dr Yashpal Singh, head of Livestock Production Management at the veterinary university, emphasised three critical aspects of winter management: Shelter modification, nutritional support and healthcare.

He advised farmers to use curtains made of tarpaulin, bamboo, straw or jute in loose housing sheds to block cold winds. Trimming shady trees around sheds allows sunlight to penetrate, providing natural warmth and disinfecting animal houses through ultraviolet rays, he says.

He recommends that animals should be exposed to direct sunlight during the day in open paddocks, and sheds and floors must be kept dry to prevent ailments such as pneumonia, diarrhoea and coccidiosis.

Proper bedding is essential to reduce heat loss through conduction. Large animals should be provided bedding up to six inches deep and smaller animals require at least two inches. Materials like paddy or wheat straw, sawdust and rice husk can be used. Blankets made from gunny bags may also be employed to insulate larger animals, the expert said.

Nutritional management plays a vital role in sustaining production. Berseem, abundantly available during winter, offers high protein and water content, supporting lactating and growing animals. Protein-rich concentrate cakes such as mustard, cottonseed, groundnut and soybean flakes can be used for economical feeding. In case of fodder scarcity, a mix of 25 to 30 kg leguminous fodder with 5 to 10 kg wheat straw, supplemented with three kg concentrate mixture, helps maintain body temperature. Where fodder is plentiful, 40 to 50 kg of quality green fodder ensures milk yields of up to 10 litres in cattle and buffalo, he says.

“Farmers are reminded to include two per cent mineral mixture and one per cent salt in concentrate feed, and to provide clean and lukewarm water to livestock. Regular cleaning, avoiding cold-water baths and ensuring good ventilation in sheds are equally important,” he adds.