Prayagraj: According to the advisory issued by the Indian Meteorological Department and Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, moderate to light rain (4 to 18 mm) is expected in Prayagraj in the coming week. The maximum temperature will be between 30–32°C and the minimum 26–27°C, while the wind speed will be 6–13 km/h and humidity will be 63% to 96%. Thunderstorm and lightning warnings have been issued on August 2, 3 and 4.
Crops like paddy, maize, pulses and groundnut will benefit from moisture this season, but the risk of rice blast, sheath blight, leaf blight, yellow mosaic virus and leaf spot diseases will also increase. Farmers have been advised to regularly monitor the fields during rainless periods, use biological or chemical fungicides, and maintain proper drainage.
Crop-wise recommendations are also given: Use rotary weeder or herbicide for weed control in paddy. Use ZnSO₄ in zinc deficient areas in maize. Spray chlorothalonil or mancozeb for leaf disease in groundnut. Pre-germination and foliar spray is recommended for weed and nutrient management in pigeon pea and gram. Use carbendazim or tricyclazole to control blast disease in ragi. In gardening, spray chemicals properly on mango, ladyfinger, brinjal and guava for pest and disease control. In animal husbandry, it is important to maintain vaccination and cleanliness before monsoon. Oxygen deficiency can be prevented by using aerators and controlled feeding in fish farming. Farmers are requested to adopt proper crop and animal management keeping in mind the weather warnings, so that increase in production and income can be ensured, informed Prateek Kumar, Technical Officer, SHUATS, Prayagraj.
