Rain predicted, PAU experts advise Punjab farmers to not irrigate fields

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, September 14

As light to moderate rain/thundershowers are expected at many places in the state over the next two days, experts from the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) have advised farmers not to irrigate/spray the crops during this period.

The weed growing on cotton field bunds, waste lands, roadside and irrigation channels/canals should be eradicated to avoid further spread of whitefly. Regular surveillance of whitefly on cotton should also be done, the experts said.

“It is time to sow

mid-season varieties of cauliflower. Punjab broccoli-1 and palam samridhi varieties can also be sown. It is the right time to sow PC161, Punjab carrot red and Punjab black beauty varieties of carrot,” an advisory issued by the Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa (GKMS) of PAU stated.

The prevailing weather is favourable for fruit rot and die back disease in chilli. Farmers can protect the crop by spraying 250 ml Folicur or 750 g Indofil M 45 or Blitox in 250 litres of water per acre after weather clears up, the advisory maintained.

To check fruit and shoot borer attack in brinjal, spray 80 ml Coragen 18.5 SC or 80 g Proclaim 5SG in 100-125 litres of water per acre, experts shared.

Planting of evergreen fruit plants, such as guava, mango, litchi, papaya, bael, sapota, pomegranate etc can also be done in this season. As heavy rainfall is expected, farmers were advised to make proper channels to drain out excessive water from orchards.

“Do not allow water to stagnate around the tree trunks. Keep the basin of the plants slightly higher than rest of the orchard soil. Apply white wash mixture containing copper sulphate on the main trunks of fruit trees to protect them from diseases. Regularly remove the suckers arising from the rootstock portion of the newly planted fruit plants and support these with sticks to keep them erect during rainy season,” the advisory added.

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