Heat wave alert issued to farmers in Vellore, crop protection advice

Tamil Nadu: Farmers in Vellore district have been advised to remain vigilant in view of the increasing heat and a possible heat wave. The district administration has stated that the changing weather and the impact of El Niño could impact the agricultural sector, making advance preparation essential. In this regard, Vellore District Magistrate V.R. Subbulakshmi has issued detailed guidelines for farmers regarding crop protection and improved agricultural management.

The administration has clarified that El Niño could increase summer temperatures and lead to a lack of moisture in the fields. Farmers have been advised to plow their fields carefully during the summer and focus on high-value crops. Emphasis has also been placed on proper seed germination and increased use of biofertilizers.

The district administration has also instructed farmers to avoid working in the fields during the hottest hours of the day, i.e., between 12 noon and 3 pm. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid irrigation during the afternoon to reduce water evaporation and maintain soil moisture.

The use of natural mulching techniques, such as straw and sugarcane mulch, has been recommended to maintain soil moisture and regulate temperatures. Emphasis has also been placed on adopting micro-irrigation techniques to combat drought-like conditions. Nurseries and vegetable gardens have been advised to use nets that provide 30 to 50 percent shade.

As suggested by agricultural experts, it is recommended to harvest perishable crops in the morning. Special attention should be paid to irrigation during the flowering and fruiting stages of fruit crops to ensure production is not affected.

Guidelines have also been issued for the protection of livestock. Animal sheds should be strengthened with structures that provide 30 to 70 percent shade, and reflective materials should be used on roofs to reduce heat.

To protect crops, it is recommended to spray 3 percent kaolin or 1 percent potassium chloride on the leaves of rice crops at different growth stages. To maintain moisture in sugarcane cultivation, it is recommended to use dry straw as mulch and incorporate coconut husk into the soil.

Different nutrient and spray solutions have also been recommended for cotton, peanuts, tomatoes, eggplant, chilies, and other crops to maintain stable production despite rising temperatures. Furthermore, the use of windbreaks and hormone sprays has been recommended to protect crops like mango and banana from strong hot winds.

The administration has urged farmers to regularly monitor weather information and adapt their farming strategies to changing conditions to minimize losses.