Srinagar: In response to recent hailstorm incidents across various parts of the Kashmir Valley, the Directorate of Extension, SKUAST-Kashmir, has issued an urgent advisory to farmers aimed at minimizing crop losses and preventing secondary infections in orchards and crops.
The advisory emphasizes critical steps for effective damage management, including proper drainage, debris removal, pruning, disease control, and orchard sanitation.
Key recommendations for farmers:
Drain Excess Water: Rapidly remove standing water to prevent waterlogging, which can suffocate roots and promote fungal diseases.
Clear Debris: Gently shake trees to dislodge hail deposits and lodged debris, reducing the risk of bark injury and branch breakage.
Prune Damaged Branches: Remove broken or damaged branches with clean tools, applying Bordeaux or Chaubatia paste on cuts to prevent infections. Support partially uprooted trees to restore stability.
Disease Prevention: Apply protective fungicide sprays after weather clears to prevent fungal and bacterial infections. Recommended sprays vary for fruits like apples, cherries, peaches, plums, apricots, grapes, and vegetables, with specific chemical formulations and dosages provided in the advisory.
Follow-up Nutrition: After fungicide application, spray a 0.2% urea solution (200 g per 100 L water) after three days to promote recovery. Micronutrient sprays may be needed after 10-15 days.
Spray Precautions: Conduct spraying during cool, dry periods, using fine mist sprayers for uniform coverage. Delay fungicide sprays if systemic fungicides were recently applied.
Orchard Sanitation: Collect and dispose of fallen leaves, fruits, blossoms, and twigs through burial or composting to reduce disease inoculum. Ensure proper ventilation and soil aeration for faster recovery.
Farmers are urged to follow these guidelines diligently to safeguard their crops and ensure quick recovery from the recent hailstorm damages. For further assistance, contact the SKUAST-K Directorate of Extension at de********@**************ac.in.