Utilising soil moisture: farmers advised to complete sowing of Kharif crops

Upcountry growers should complete sowing of Kharif crops with a view to utilise field dampness for a better yield, Met Office advised on Monday. "The farmers of upper half of the country are advised to complete sowing of Kharif crops in time to utilise fully the present soil moisture especially growers of maize crop in rain-fed areas," the office said in its 1-day farmers advisory ending on August 20.
It also warned the growers of pest and viral attacks on the standing sugarcane and other crops in upper parts of the country following monsoon rains. "Farmers are therefore advised to take in time precautionary measures in this regard," it said. The farmers of rain-fed areas obtaining water through tube wells and irrigated areas in upper parts of the country are advised to schedule the irrigation in line with the expected weather.
"Rainfall/gusty winds after irrigation cause water logging of standing crops like maize, sugarcane and cotton. Farmers should be very careful in this regard," it said, advising that the farmers should take timely steps to protect their crops, livestock and other property from any expected heavy rains. "Farmers of cotton belt are advised to be aware of the adverse effects of stagnant water in the fields. Mechanism for drainage of stagnant water from fields should be evolved on priority basis and necessary requirements in this regard should be taken," the office said.
In Punjab, it said, light to moderate rainfalls at isolated places are expected over most of the agricultural plains of the province during the forecast period ending on August 20. The office said light rainfall expected at isolated places of lower parts that Sindh. Heavy falls at isolated places are expected over most of the agricultural plains of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and mainly dry weather is expected Balochistan. However, it said, light rainfall expected in North western parts of Balochistan. In Gilgit-Baltistan, mostly cloudy weather with light to moderate rainfall over hills is expected. In Kashmir, it said, mainly cloudy weather with light to moderate rainfall over hills is expected in its isolated parts.