Pakistan Tobacco Board (PTB) has urged growers for taking precautionary measures for protecting their fields and nursery sites from damages. According to a press release issued here on Wednesday, the board said that soil preparation for tobacco plantation is in progress, saying that due to recent rains there is a possibility of water stagnation in the nursery sites and tobacco fields reserved for tobacco crop, which can adversely affect the tobacco seedlings, beside delay in ridge making.
The tobacco growers are, therefore, advised to drain out excess water from their fields/nursery sites to avoid any damage. For production of higher yield and better quality, the board has recommended the application of 10 bags of NPK compound fertiliser (12:15:20) to one-hectare tobacco crop.
Similarly, for control of damaging off and insect pests attacks on seedlings, the recommended fungicides and pesticides may be sprayed, respectively. In case of further guidance, the PTB has asked the growers for contacting the field staff of the board or tobacco companies.-PR