Growers should complete sowing of Kharif season crops, especially the maize on time with a view to utilise the existing soil moisture in the rain-fed upper parts of the country. "Farmers of upper half of the country are advised to complete sowing of Kharif crops on time to utilize fully the present soil moisture, especially growers of maize crop in rain-fed areas," the Met Office (MO) said in its 10-day advisory ending on July 31.
It said farmers should chalk out an irrigation plan ahead of the forecast weather. "Farmers of the rain-fed areas obtaining water from tube-wells and irrigated areas in upper parts are advised to schedule the irrigation according to the expected weather," it said.
It warned the growers of pest/viral attacks at the standing crops following the expected monsoon rains in upper parts of the country. It said the rains are likely to grow weeds at the crops. "Farmers are therefore advised to take in time precautionary measures in this regard," he said. It said rainfall/gusty winds after irrigation cause water-logging in standing crops like maize, sugarcane and cotton. "Farmers should be very careful in this regard," it advised.
The Met Office said the farmers should take timely measures to protect their crops, livestock and other property from any expected heavy rain. Weather in Punjab, it said, light to moderate rainfalls at isolated places are expected over most of the agricultural plains in the province during the forecast period. In Sindh, light rainfall expected at isolated places, it said.
Weather in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, it said, heavy falls at isolated places are expected over most of the agricultural plains of the province. In Balochistan, it said, mainly dry weather is expected in the province. It said, however, light rainfall expected in north western parts of Balochistan. In Gilgit-Baltistan, it said, mostly cloudy weather with light to moderate rainfall over hills is expected in most parts of the province. The office said mainly cloudy weather with light to moderate rainfall over hills is expected in isolated parts of Kashmir.