Srinagar: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) has issued an advisory urging farmers across the Valley to adopt immediate crop protection and soil moisture conservation measures in view of the persistent dry weather conditions.
Experts from the university said farmers should prioritise crop management practices to protect crops from heat stress and soil desiccation caused by rising temperatures and lack of precipitation.
For fruit growers, the university has recommended the application of 4–6 inches of organic mulch, such as paddy straw or grass clippings, around tree basins to retain soil moisture. Experts from the Division of Agrometeorology also advised against the use of inorganic mulches like polythene sheets, stating that they may increase soil temperature and damage root systems.
The advisory further recommends that orchards without irrigation facilities should delay fertilizer application until adequate soil moisture is available and avoid excessive hoeing or heavy tractor movement, which can further dry the soil.
For field crops such as wheat, mustard and peas, farmers have been advised to regularly monitor their fields and remove weeds through intercultural operations to reduce competition for limited water resources. Urea application should be limited to 2.5 kg per kanal and carried out only when sufficient soil moisture is present.
In the vegetable and floriculture sectors, including tulip cultivation, experts have suggested light and frequent irrigation during early morning or late evening hours. Nursery beds of crops such as tomato, chilli, capsicum and cabbage should be protected with shade nets or straw coverings to reduce heat stress.
The advisory also recommends raking soil in orchards to expose dormant pests such as pupae and grubs to sunlight, while installing 8–10 pheromone traps per hectare to monitor pests like apple leaf blotch and fruit borer.
For the fisheries sector, fish farmers have been advised to maintain dissolved oxygen levels above 6 mg/L using aeration systems and ensure a water depth of 1.5–2 metres in ponds. Feeding rates should be reduced to 1–1.5 percent of body weight during low oxygen conditions, while using high-protein floating pellets supplemented with Vitamin C and probiotics to maintain fish health.
The university urged farmers to follow these measures to minimise crop and livestock losses during the ongoing dry spell.
