As Cyclone Montha makes its presence felt with relentless rains, farmers across Andhra Pradesh are on high alert. To safeguard their livelihoods, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU) has issued a critical, crop-specific advisory. Dr. R. Sarada Jayalakshmi Devi, Vice-Chancellor of ANGRAU, emphasizes the urgency of these precautions to protect standing crops from the devastating effects of heavy rainfall and potential waterlogging.
Paddy: Urgent Care for Your Rice Fields
For paddy crops currently in their flowering to harvesting stages, immediate action is paramount. Farmers must drain excess water from their fields without delay to prevent damage. To combat grain discoloration and common fungal diseases, it’s recommended to spray either Propiconazole (200 ml/acre) or Hexaconazole (400 ml/acre). If you observe early germination in varieties susceptible to sprouting, such as BPT-5204 and PLA-1100, a 5% salt solution can be applied. Additionally, avoid overwatering and consider applying potash fertilizer to bolster stem strength, helping your plants withstand the challenging conditions.
Maize: Protecting Your Corn Harvest
Stagnant water is a major threat to maize, leading to lodging (plants falling over). Ensure quick removal of any standing water. For cobs that have suffered partial damage, swift drying to achieve a moisture content of 12-13% is crucial. Once fields are drained, a recovery spray of 1% urea + 0.5% zinc sulfate will help revive the crop. To prevent fungal infections and leaf spots, apply Propiconazole (1 ml/litre) or Mancozeb (2.5 g/litre).
Pulses (Green Gram, Black Gram, Red Gram): Revival Strategies
Pulse crops are vulnerable to waterlogging. Rapidly drain water from these fields. After about a week, a foliar spray of 1% NPK fertilizer or Potassium Nitrate can significantly aid in crop recovery and boost growth. For issues like root rot and leaf spots, use Hexaconazole (2 ml/litre) or Propiconazole (1 ml/litre). To keep destructive pod borers at bay, spray Chlorpyrifos (2.5 ml/litre), Novaluron (1 ml/litre), or Spinosad (0.3 ml/litre).
Groundnut: Safeguarding Your Peanut Crop
During rainfall, resist the urge to uproot groundnut plants. Similarly, avoid stacking harvested pods, as this can encourage sprouting. Once the rains subside, protect your crop by spraying Mancozeb (2.5 g/litre) + Carbendazim (12%) or Hexaconazole (2 ml/litre). If leaf-eating caterpillars become a problem, an application of Emamectin Benzoate (0.4 g/litre) is advised.
Cotton: Essential Care for Your Fiber Fields
Efficiently drain water from cotton fields to prevent prolonged saturation. To revitalize crop growth, apply a 2% urea or 2% potassium nitrate spray twice, with a 5–7 day interval between applications. For leaf spots and boll rot, a protective spray of Mancozeb (3 g/litre) or Copper Oxychloride (3 g/litre) is recommended. To minimize the shedding of flowers and bolls, consider using Planofix (0.25 ml/litre).
Sugarcane: Rapid Response for Healthy Canes
In areas prone to water accumulation, it’s vital to remove standing water from sugarcane fields on an emergency basis. If growth appears stunted after drainage, a booster dose of 25 kg urea + 25 kg potash per acre should be applied. To control sucking pests that thrive in such conditions, spray Dimethoate (1.7 ml/litre).
Dr. Sarada Jayalakshmi Devi’s message is clear: vigilance and timely action are crucial. By implementing these integrated pest and nutrient management strategies, Andhra Pradesh farmers can significantly reduce the adverse impacts of Cyclone Montha and protect their valuable harvests.