Port Blair, Apr 26: Amidst the threat of COVID-19 outbreak and pause in the agricultural activities and post-harvest management the farmers are suffering a huge economic loss. In addition, this year the farmers are facing additional problem of summer stress due to the long spell of dry period (almost like drought situation in many parts of the islands). Since the farmers are now also ready to prepare the fields for the khariff crops and the pre-monsoon shower is also expected in the next fortnight, the CIARI has suggested the following advisories in order to sustain the agriculture and allied sector activities in the Islands.
• Farmers are advised to cover the coconut, arecanut and vegetables (cucurbits) with organic residues to avoid water loss as the weather will be dry for the next one week.
• Farmers are advised to clean the stream, canal and bunds during this dry period. Make small earthen / rock check dam in the field drain to harvest any summer rain
• It is right time to go for any land improvement, bund raising, farm pond making, cleaning of farm pond and making land shaping structure in the field as the weather is dry.
• Harvest the produce and sent for market. Otherwise dry the excess vegetables in the sun and prepare dried vegetables, pack it properly and store it for future use.
• Provide cool water to animals kept in the farm and provide shelter during day time to avoid stress.
• Farmers can go for vegetable cultivation around their home or in soil less cultivation of vegetables and green for home use.
