In a press release issued by R. Vinodha, Assistant Director of Horticulture, Tirupathur, Sivagangai District, the following guidelines were provided to protect horticultural crops during the ongoing northeast monsoon season:
To prevent crop damage, all cultivated areas must first be registered in the Adangal and e-Adangal records. Farmers are advised to insure all horticultural crops. Fertilizer application and irrigation should be temporarily suspended during heavy rains.
If rainwater stagnates due to continuous downpour, planting or sowing should be done only after the excess water drains away. In low-lying fields without proper drainage, drainage channels should be created to avoid waterlogging.
To prevent wind damage, plants and trees should be supported with stakes placed against the wind direction. Once rainwater has drained, apply top dressing fertilizer and earthing up to strengthen the soil, and use foliar spray to meet the crops’ nutrient requirements.
For coconut palms, mature nuts and tender coconuts should be harvested immediately. Remove old, dried fronds at the base to reduce the tree’s weight and minimize wind damage. Avoid irrigation temporarily and ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot and nutrient loss.
Farmers growing mango, guava, and pomegranate should prune dried or diseased branches to allow good air circulation. Newly planted saplings should be protected by staking them against the wind.
For banana crops, remove lower leaves and heap soil around the base of the plants. Bunches that are over 75% mature should be harvested immediately. For semi-mature bunches, cover them properly and provide support with bamboo or eucalyptus poles to prevent lodging.
Vegetable, vine (trellis), and flower crop cultivators should ensure adequate drainage and spray preventive fungicides or pesticides to control disease.
Tomato growers should provide staking support to the plants. In greenhouses or shade-net houses, the base of the structure should be firmly anchored to the ground with strong cables; nearby trees should be pruned to prevent branches from falling on the structure. Ensure all doors and windows are securely closed to prevent air entry, and repair any torn shade nets promptly.
By following these precautionary measures, farmers can safeguard their horticultural crops during the monsoon season, said R. Vinodha, Assistant Director of Horticulture, Tirupathur.