Shimla, Dec 22 (NationPress) The phenomenon of winter drought has become increasingly prevalent, as Himachal Pradesh recorded its last rainfall on October 9, leading to a prolonged dry spell of around 70 days.

This extended arid phase has caused significant water stress on various crops, including fruit plants, as noted by Dr. Y.S. Parmar from the University of Horticulture and Forestry in Nauni on Monday.

Experts from the university recommend strategies for farmers to alleviate the effects of drought stress. They observe that rainfall patterns throughout the state have been inconsistent, with rainfall being moderately to irregularly distributed.

Typically, the period from October to December is characterized by dry weather, and historical data (1980-2024) shows that November experiences below-normal rainfall in about 68.2% of the years. In the sub-humid mid-hill areas, 30-50% of soil moisture is lost due to evaporation, a number likely to increase given the current conditions.

The frequent occurrence of drought during these months is alarming, especially since nearly 70% of Himachal's land is rainfed, emphasizing the urgent need for moisture-conservation agronomic practices.

Insufficient soil moisture during this dry period could adversely affect saplings of fruit plants, hindering root development, limiting nutrient absorption, and making them more vulnerable to diseases.

Experts suggest delaying new plantings of deciduous fruit crops like apple, peach, plum, apricot, persimmon, walnut, and kiwifruit until moisture levels improve.

For those plantations that are already established, life-saving irrigation should be prioritized, preferably using drip irrigation systems alongside mulching techniques. Farmers are encouraged to cover the tree basin with dry grass or crop residue mulch to retain soil moisture for a longer duration.

An optimal mulch thickness of 5 to 10 cm is recommended. Mulching not only aids in moisture retention but also suppresses weed growth, regulates soil temperature, and enhances soil organic matter as it decomposes.

The advisory further emphasizes avoiding the digging of tree basins to prevent extra moisture loss. Minimal pruning should be carried out during drought conditions, and the application of chemical fertilizers like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be postponed until soil moisture is sufficient.

However, the use of well-decomposed farmyard manure can continue to enhance soil health. Farmers are encouraged to visit fields of those practicing natural farming or the university’s research station at Mashobra, Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Rohru, or any nearby university station to witness natural farming demonstrations.

Farmers employing natural farming techniques should apply Jeevamrit (10-20% as a foliar spray and solid drenching every 15 days), refresh the Whaapsa line, and utilize mulch to protect their crops.