Mubashir Alam Wani
Srinagar, Feb 2: After fresh snowfall, the Department of Agriculture Kashmir has issued an advisory to the farmers, asking them for necessary maintenance of the fields for better health of crops.
A vast area in Kashmir currently is under mustard cultivation, which largely depends on the precipitation during the winter months.
As the valley received a fresh snowfall on Wednesday, the agriculture department has advised the farmers to take various protective measures for protecting crops from diseases.
Director agriculture Choudhary Mohammad Iqbal said the farmers should essentially drain out the water from the fields.
“After snowfall, there is much possibility that water may accumulate in the fields. Stagnation of water leads to various problems in crops. So, the farmers should essentially drain out the water from the fields so that crops, especially mustard, are protected from diseases,” he said.
In addition to the draining out of water, the director agriculture said that top dressing should be also done for nutrient requirements of crops.
“With the top dressing, the crops get abundant nitrogen for normal growth. Farmers should ensure top dressing as soon as possible so that our crops get ample nutrients from the fertilizers,” he said.
Iqbal said the rabi crops were in dire need of a wet spell, saying the prolonged dry spell affects its normal growth.
“Snowfall proves a blessing for our rabbi as well as kharif crops. Our soil gets ample moisture during winter months with spells of snowfall and rains. Our glaciers are the source of water, which is used for drinking as well as for irrigating our crops,” he said.
Growers are also rejoicing as the valley receives a fresh blanket of snow, providing much-needed relief to the farming community.
Farmers had been concerned about the water levels required for their crops, especially in the absence of substantial precipitation from the last two months.
They said the snowfall is a promising sign for a fruitful harvest in the upcoming season.
“This snowfall is like a lifeline for our crops. The moisture from the snow will seep into the soil, replenishing it and providing a much-needed boost for our crops and orchards. We are hopeful for a few more spells of snowfall,” said Mohammad Akbar Dar, a grower from Baramulla.
