Port Blair, Sept 02: An analysis of historical rainfall data at Central Island Agricultural Research Institute here revealed that vegetable and arecanut production is affected by summer monsoon. The onset and advancement of monsoon had less effect on rice production. However, heavy downpour during October and early November had negative effect on rice production due to lodging and crop damage. We might have found only feeble evidences to confirm the climate change events occurring over these islands but, available data strongly suggested that the island experiences change in climate in the form of long dry days, less number of rainy days and break in monsoon which has consequences for agricultural and allied sectors.
The recently released monsoon performance report of CIARI, found that 7 out of 15 weeks from May, 2015 till date recorded deficit rainfall. But, the survey indicated 85 % farmers have completed paddy transplanting by end of August, 2015.
In contrast, 16 out of 18 weeks beginning from 1st January 2015 to April 2015 was deficit as compared to the climatic normal. This was evidenced from drop in production of dry season vegetables and nut fall in coconut and arecanut in the last two years. This calls for appropriate planning and judicious use of natural resources of the island.
The report further says that the island is facing 50 – 75% deficit in summer rainfall in recent years which has high probability to continue. To tide over such situations farmers should start practicing summer / dry season management practices for crop and livestock production. It calls for efficient water harvesting and utilization technology as suggested by CIARI in its rainfall assessment.
In dry months vegetables requiring less water, Louki, Karela and Cucumber may be grown. During delay in monsoon, MAT nursery for raising rice seedling and system of rice intensification (SRI) methods of transplanting will enhances the yield. Fish culturie of carp variety requires daily feeding of spawn with powdered rice bran and groundnut oil cake in 1:1 ratio @ 5 -10 % of body weight. Similarly farm animals should be screened for nasal discharge, wound and injuries regularly and the services of veterinary doctor may be taken for treatment. Farmers are advised to register their mobile number with CIARI to get regular weather based advisories on their mobile free of cost.
