Agriculture Dept Advisory to Paddy Farmers Regarding the Prevailing Dry Spell.
In view of the prevailing dry spell experienced over the last few days in several parts of Goa, paddy farmers are advised to adopt the following precautionary measures to minimize crop stress and avoid yield loss:
- Provide protective irrigation, wherever irrigation facilities are available, to maintain adequate soil moisture.
- Farmers who have already completed transplanting should maintain a shallow water level of 2-5 cm in the paddy fields, wherever possible.
- Farmers who have not yet transplanted seedlings are advised to postpone transplanting until adequate rainfall is received or irrigation is available.
- Strengthen field bunds to conserve available moisture and prevent water loss.
- Avoid the application of chemical fertilizers during the dry spell. Fertilizers should be applied only after receiving adequate rainfall or after irrigation.
- Keep fields free from weeds, as weeds compete with the crop for the limited available soil moisture.
- Regularly monitor the crop for pests and diseases, as dry weather may favour certain pest incidences. Farmers are advised to adopt timely plant protection measures as recommended by Agriculture Department officials.
- Farmers are requested to remain in contact with their nearest Zonal Agriculture Office (ZAO) or Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) for technical guidance and the latest advisories.
- Incase farmer plans to replant using Mechanized Paddy transplanter they may do so by contacting the registered transplanting service providers for the availability subject to Paddy Nursery availability with them.
- Paddy seed is also available with authorised agricultural input dealers.
- In the event of complete crop damage due to adverse weather conditions, farmers may report the loss to the nearest Zonal Agriculture Office for consideration under the Shetkari Adhar Nidhi Scheme, subject to the provisions of the scheme.
- The Directorate of Agriculture is closely monitoring the prevailing weather situation and will issue further advisories as and when required.
