Himachal Pradesh Faces Its Driest Winter in Eight Years, Horticulture University Warns Farmers
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Solan, Dec 18 (NationPress) Himachal Pradesh is enduring considerable water stress as it experiences the driest months of October, November, and December in the last eight years, according to Dr Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture. The university is urging farmers to shift towards integrated farming systems.
The Solan district, recognized for its production of mushrooms and tomatoes, has similarly faced a rainfall deficit. The last recorded rainfall in this district was in September, which was also below the normal levels.
Consequently, cultivated fields are now parched, leading to severe water stress for crops. Typically, the post-monsoon months of October and November yield minimal rainfall, a trend confirmed by meteorological data from the Agrometeorological Observatory of the university (1971-2020).
Vegetable crops for the rabi season, including cabbage, cauliflower, peas, onions, garlic, and other root crops, necessitate sufficient soil moisture during their critical growth phases. The absence of rainfall can adversely affect the yield of these crops, potentially resulting in early flowering, small pod sizes, and diminished pea yields, as warned by the university. Inadequate soil moisture can also hinder the growth of fruit saplings, stunting root development and increasing vulnerability to diseases.
The university recommends that farmers enhance their resilience to water stress by moving away from mono-cropping and embracing multi-enterprise farming, which includes integrating fruit cultivation with livestock. This strategy can mitigate the challenges posed by water scarcity, particularly during this season, according to university researchers.
Farmers are encouraged to adopt fruit-based agroforestry models to bolster their resilience against unpredictable weather patterns. Additionally, they should consider drought-resistant crop varieties. For those cultivating wheat, the university suggests selecting drought-resistant, late-sown varieties such as HPW-155 and HPW-368. Farmers who have already sown wheat need to provide lifesaving irrigation at the crown root initiation stage, the university stated.
In areas facing dry conditions, farmers are advised to postpone the transplanting of onions until the last week of December.
Farmers who have already planted crops like onions, garlic, rapeseed, mustard, toria, and lentils should ensure irrigation during crucial growth stages.
To conserve water, the university recommends that farmers consider planting vegetable crops that require less water, such as radish, turnip, spinach, and beetroot. These crops can also serve as intercrops in fruit orchards or agroforestry systems. Diversifying crops and employing agronomic techniques, like mulching with dry grass residue, are highly encouraged to manage water stress. Applying grass mulch at a thickness of 5-10 cm can help retain moisture.
In larger fields where mulching or irrigation is not possible, applying anti-transpirants is advisable to decrease water loss through transpiration and safeguard plant health. To ensure the timely sowing and growth of rabi crops, farmers should consider improving their irrigation facilities.
Establishing rainwater harvesting structures, such as farm ponds, can provide critical irrigation during dry spells and assist in managing moisture stress at vital crop stages.
Efficient irrigation scheduling is essential to boost water productivity. Farmers are also 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 observe demonstrations of natural farming. Those practicing natural farming should apply Jeevamrit (10-20 percent as a foliar spray and solid drenching at 15-day intervals), refresh the Whaapsa line, and use mulch to protect crops.
With a growing demand and substantial profitability, the cultivation of exotic fruits and vegetables is rapidly increasing in Himachal Pradesh, a region known for its apple production, where farming communities are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
