Advisory on Prevailing Drought Conditions for Farmers of Himachal Pradesh

Solan, Dec 18

Due to the ongoing dry spell in several parts of the state, Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture has issued an advisory for farmers.

The state is experiencing significant water stress, with the driest October, November, and December months in the past eight years since 2016. The Solan district also observed similar rainfall deficits in October and November, with the last instance of no rain recorded in 2016 during these months. The most recent rainfall in Solan was in September, which was also below normal. As a result, cultivated fields are parched, and agricultural crops are under severe water stress.

The post-monsoon months of October and November typically receive minimal rainfall, a pattern supported by meteorological data from the Agrometeorological Observatory of the University (1971-2020). Vegetable crops for the rabi season, such as cabbage, cauliflower, peas, onions, garlic, and other root crops, require adequate soil moisture during their critical growth stages. The lack of rainfall can impact the yield of these crops, with early flowering, small pod size, and reduced pea yields as potential outcomes. Insufficient soil moisture can also harm fruit saplings by stunting root development and making plants more susceptible to diseases.

Advisory: Recommended Practices for Farmers

1. Switch to Integrated Farming Systems: To build resilience against water stress, farmers should consider moving away from mono-cropping and adopt multi-enterprise farming, integrating fruit cultivation and livestock. This will help mitigate the impacts of water scarcity often experienced during this time of year.
2. Agroforestry Models: Farmers are encouraged to implement fruit-based agroforestry models to enhance their resilience to unpredictable weather conditions.
   Drought-Tolerant Crop Varieties: For wheat cultivation, farmers should opt for drought-resistant, late-sown varieties like HPW-155 and HPW-368. Those who have already sown wheat should provide life-saving irrigation at the Crown Root Initiation stage.
3. Delay Onion Transplanting: In regions facing dry conditions, farmers are advised to delay transplanting onions until the last week of December. Farmers who have already planted crops such as onion, garlic, rapeseed, mustard, toria, and lentils should provide life-saving irrigation at critical growth stages.
   Choose Water-Efficient Vegetables: To conserve water, farmers should consider planting vegetable crops with lower water requirements, such as radish, turnip, spinach, and beetroot. These crops can also be used as intercrops in fruit orchards or agroforestry systems.
4. Adopt Crop Diversification and Water Conservation Practices: Crop diversification and the use of agronomic practices, such as mulching with dry grass residue, are highly recommended to manage water stress. Grass mulch should be applied at a thickness of 5-10 cm to conserve moisture.
5. Use Anti-Transpirants: In large fields where mulching or irrigation is not feasible, applying anti-transpirants (e.g., Kaolin @ 5kg/100L of water per hectare) is advised to reduce water loss through transpiration and protect plant health.
6. Enhance Irrigation Facilities: To ensure timely sowing and growth of rabi crops, farmers should consider enhancing farm irrigation facilities. Installing rainwater harvesting structures, such as farm ponds, can provide life-saving irrigation during dry spells and help manage moisture stress at critical crop stages. Efficient irrigation scheduling is crucial to enhance water productivity.
7. Protect Fruit Plant Saplings: Farmers should cover young fruit saplings with gunny bags, leaving the southern and southeastern sides open, to protect them from the harsh dry conditions.
8. Avoid New Plantations: Farmers are advised to postpone the planting of new fruit trees until adequate rainfall is received. If new plantations are necessary, it is crucial to provide regular life-saving irrigation to ensure the survival of the plants during this dry spell.
9. Natural Farming Practices: Farmers are encouraged to visit fields of farmers practicing natural farming or the university’s research station at Mashobra, Krishi Vigyan Kendra Rohru or any nearby university station to observe natural farming demonstrations. Farmers practicing natural farming should apply Jeevamrit (10-20% as a foliar spray and solid drenching at 15 days interval), freshen the Whaapsa line, and use mulch to protect crops.
10. Avoid Basin preparation Work and Fertilizer Application: Farmers are advised not to engage in basin preparation or apply fertilizers during this dry period. Instead, grass mulch should be used to conserve moisture.
    Stay Updated with Weather Information: Farmers are encouraged to download and follow the Meghdoot app for timely, weather-based agro-advisory services to better plan their agricultural activities.
    By adopting these practices, farmers can reduce the impact of the ongoing dry spell and improve their resilience to drought conditions.