Agro-Met Advisory for Himachal Pradesh Farmers
Weather Forecast and Advisory
The latest Agro-Met Advisory Bulletin for Himachal Pradesh, issued by the Meteorological Centre Shimla, provides crucial weather forecasts and agricultural advisories for farmers in the region. The bulletin, valid from July 2, 2024, to July 6, 2024, highlights significant weather patterns and offers targeted advice to optimize farming practices in light of the forecasted conditions.
Rainfall Forecast
The bulletin forecasts light to moderate rain at many places, with heavy rainfall at isolated locations over the state during the period. This is critical for farmers as rainfall directly impacts crop planning and management. The advisory underscores the importance of preparing for heavy rainfall, especially in the plains and low hills where rain is expected at many places, while middle and high hills may experience rain at fewer locations.
Temperature Trends
The report notes no significant changes in minimum and maximum temperatures over the past 24 hours. Average minimum temperatures remain above normal, whereas average maximum temperatures are normal. These temperature trends are essential for farmers to consider when planning irrigation and other weather-dependent agricultural activities.
Agriculture and Horticulture Advisories
The bulletin provides specific advisories for different crops based on their growth stages and the expected weather conditions. Here are some key recommendations:
- Paddy Transplantation and Maize Sowing:
- With expected rainfall, farmers are advised to prepare fields for paddy transplantation.
- For maize, sowing should be done after ensuring adequate soil moisture. The recommended seed rate is 20 kg/ha, and effective weed control measures, including specific herbicides, are detailed.
- Vegetable Crops (Tomato, Brinjal, Capsicum, Chilli):
- Proper drainage facilities are crucial to prevent water stagnation during the monsoon.
- Farmers should monitor crops for disease infestation post-rainfall and implement timely harvesting to avoid spoilage.
- Cauliflower:
- Maintain proper drainage and monitor for aphid attacks. Specific insecticide recommendations are provided to control pest infestations.
- Fruit Crops (Apple, Pear, Plum, Peach, Apricot, Pomegranate):
- Ensuring proper drainage in orchards is vital to prevent water stagnation.
- Monitoring for diseases like scab, black rot, and Alternaria leaf spot is recommended, with detailed spraying schedules provided for disease control.
- Harvesting strategies should consider weather forecasts to avoid losses.
Storage and Fodder Management
The bulletin also addresses grain storage and fodder management:
- Grains should be cleaned, dried, and stored properly to prevent infestations and spoilage.
- Fodder maize, along with soybean or cowpea, should be sown in irrigated areas for green fodder production.
