SRINAGAR: Following recent snowfall, the Department of Agriculture Kashmir has issued an advisory to farmers, urging them to undertake essential field maintenance for improved crop health.
Director agriculture Choudhary Mohammad Iqbal said the farmers should essentially drain out the water from the fields. “After snowfall, there is much possibility that water may accumulate in the fields. Stagnation of water leads to various problems in crops. So, the farmers should essentially drain out the water from the fields so that crops, especially mustard, are protected from diseases,” he said.
In addition to the draining out of the water, the director agriculture said that top dressing should be also done for nutrient requirements of crops.
“With the top dressing, the crops get abundant nitrogen for normal growth. Farmers should ensure top dressing as soon as possible so that our crops get ample nutrients from the fertilizers,” he said.
Iqbal said the rabi crops were in dire need of a wet spell, adding that the prolonged dry spell affects its normal growth. “Snowfall proves a blessing for our rabbi as well as kharif crops. Our soil gets ample moisture during winter months with spells of snowfall and rains,” he said.
Farmers had earlier expressed worries about the water levels needed for their crops, particularly due to the lack of significant rainfall over the past two months. They view the snowfall as a hopeful indication for a bountiful harvest in the approaching season.
“This snowfall is like a lifeline for our crops. The moisture from the snow will seep into the soil, replenishing it and providing a much-needed boost for our crops and orchards. We are hopeful for a few more spells of snowfall,” said Mohammad Akbar Dar, a grower from Baramulla—(KNO)
