Sri Vijaya Puram, June 4: With the onset of the Southwest Monsoon and widespread rainfall across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, the Department of Agriculture, A&N Administration, has advised farmers to take advantage of the favourable weather conditions and undertake seasonal agricultural operations in a timely manner.
Advisory for Paddy Farmers-
Farmers are advised to initiate nursery sowing, field preparation, bund strengthening and land levelling operations. Adequate drainage should be maintained in nurseries to avoid water stagnation and seedling damage. Farmers may also take up the sowing of Dhaincha (Sesbania spp.) as a green manure crop in their fields. Incorporation of Dhaincha into the soil before transplanting helps improve soil fertility, enhances organic matter content and contributes to higher paddy productivity.
To facilitate timely sowing, quality seeds of improved paddy varieties namely Gayatri, Dweep Dhan-11 (ANR-47) have been made available through all Agriculture Sub- depots across the Islands at a subsidized rate of Rs. 15/- per kg.
In addition, traditional paddy varieties such as Musley, Khusbuya, Nyaw-in and Andaman Karen Sticky Rice (Black) are available for sale at the Seed Multiplication Farm, Nimbudera at Rs. 20/- per kg. Farmers interested in cultivating these indigenous varieties are encouraged to procure seeds well in advance.
Advisory for Vegetable Growers
Vegetable growers are advised to undertake sowing and transplanting of suitable rainy-season vegetable crops such as bhindi, chilli, brinjal, cowpea, cucumber, bottle gourd, bitter gourd, ridge gourd, sponge gourd, pumpkin, ash gourd and leafy vegetables. Raised beds should be prepared to ensure proper drainage and prevent waterlogging. Regular monitoring of crops for pest and disease incidence is recommended, as high humidity during the monsoon period may favour the spread of diseases. Staking of vegetable crops may also be adopted wherever necessary.
Farmers cultivating plantation and spice crops such as coconut, arecanut, black pepper, nutmeg, clove and cinnamon are advised to maintain proper drainage around plant basins and plantation areas. The current season is ideal for planting new seedlings, gap-filling in existing plantations and application of organic manures.
Growers of cinnamon are specifically advised to undertake harvesting and peeling of mature cinnamon bark, as the bark separates easily from the stem under moist conditions, resulting in superior quality quills and better recovery.
Spice Pravah Initiative: Farmers covered under the SPICE PRAVAH Initiative are advised to utilize the ongoing monsoon season for field preparation, pit digging, planting of spice crops, gap-filling in existing plantations and adoption of recommended soil and water conservation measures. Beneficiaries undertaking cultivation of cinnamon, black pepper, nutmeg and clove should ensure proper drainage, mulching and application of organic manures for better establishment and growth of plants. The current weather conditions are also highly suitable for planting new spice gardens and carrying out maintenance operations in existing plantations.
Natural Farming: The Farmers practicing Natural Farming are advised to utilize the onset of monsoon for field preparation and soil enrichment activities. Application of Ghan Jeevamrit, incorporation of crop residues and green manure crops such as Dhaincha and mulching with locally available biomass may be undertaken to improve soil health and moisture retention. Farmers may also prepare and apply Jeevamrit and Beejamrit for seed and soil treatment. The current weather conditions are ideal for establishing diversified cropping systems and enhancing beneficial microbial activity in the soil.
The Department has urged all farmers to make optimum use of the favourable monsoon conditions for timely agricultural operations and adoption of recommended crop management practices to ensure better crop productivity during the current cropping season.
For further information and technical guidance, farmers may contact the nearest Agriculture Sub- Depot/ Zonal Agriculture Office or contact at Kisan Call Centre -03192 243434.