With the beginning of the month of November, the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute has issued an advisory for sowing of Rabi crops. Farmers have been advised to sow high-quality seeds of wheat and mustard. The advisory also includes measures to deal with the problem of termites and suggestions on the proper use of fertilisers to increase production.
Advisory for Wheat
Farmers are advised for sowing of good quality wheat seeds in the prepared fields having optimum moisture. The advised seed rate is 100 kg seed per ha. It has recommended H.D. 3385, H.D. 3386, H.D. 3298, H.D. 2967, H.D. 3086, H.D. CSW 18, DBW. 370, DBW. 371, DBW. 372, DBW. 327 varieties. Application of Chlorpyriphos (20 EC) @ 5 litres per ha. with pre-irrigation is recommended before sowing in the fields having perennial problem of termite infestation. Recommended dose of fertilizer for N: P: K is 120, 50 and 40 kg / ha.
Advisory for Mustard
IARI has said that keeping temperature in view, sowing of mustard should be done this week. Before sowing, soil testing for sulfur should be done and in deficient areas 20 kg sulfur per hectare should be applied at last ploughing. Before sowing farmers are advised to ensure optimum soil moisture for better seed germination. Recommended cultivars are Pusa Vijay, Pusa Sarson-29, Pusa Sarson-30, Pusa Sarson -31, Pusa Sarson -32 and the seed rate is 1.5-2 kg per acre.
It says that moisture level in the soil should be appropriate for proper germination otherwise it has advised to apply pre-sowing irrigation. Before sowing seeds should be treated with Captan @ 2-2.5 g/ kg of seeds. Line sowing is beneficial. In non-spreading varieties, row to row spacing should be 30 cm and in spreading cultivars spacing should be 45-50 cm. After germination, plant to plant spacing should be maintained at 12-15 cm by thinning. Thinning and weeding is recommended in a timely sown mustard crop.
IARI advisory for vegetables
Keeping view in weather, sowing of pea should not be delayed as late sowing reduces the seed yield and exposes the crop to insect damage. Before sowing farmers are advised to ensure optimum soil moisture for better seed germination. Recommended cultivars are Pusa Pragati, Arkel. Seed should be treated with fungicides, Captan @ 2.0 gm/kg and after that with crop-specific Rhizobium culture. A solution of jaggary and water after boiling should be allowed to cool down and then seeds along with Rhizobium should be thoroughly mixed. The mixture should be allowed to dry in a shade. It is highly recommended that the treated seeds should be sown after 24 hours of treatment.
Sowing carrots can be done in raised beds. Before sowing farmers are advised to ensure optimum soil moisture for better seed germination. Recommended cultivar is Pusa Rudhira and the seed rate is 2.0 kg/ acre. Application of FYM, potash and phosphorus fertiliser is recommended. Seed treatment with Captan @ 2 gm per kilogram is also advised.
This is suitable time for sowing of Sarson Saag- Pusa Saag-1; Bathua- Pusa Bathua-1; Radish- Japani White, Hill queen, French Radish; Spinach- All Green, Pusa Bharti; Fenugreek-Pusa Kasuri; Coriander- Pant Haritama, Hybrids; Turnip- Pusa Swati, Local Red variety. Before sowing farmers are advised to ensure optimum soil moisture for better seed germination.
Transplanting of mature seedlings of cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli and tomato may also be done in raised beds. Recommended spacing should be maintained. Nursery preparation should be started for late crops which mature in December or January.
Farmers are also advised not to burn the residue of kharif crops (paddy) in the fields because it not only pollutes the environment but also causes severe health problems. The smog formed due to burning of residue reduces the solar-radiations received to the crops and decreases the process of photosynthesis and evapotranspiration, which affect the quality and quantity of all crops.