SKUAST-K issues advisory for combating dry weather

Srinagar: In response to the persistent dry weather across the Kashmir Valley, experts from Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir have issued an urgent advisory.
Farmers are strongly urged to prioritize soil moisture conservation and immediate crop protection measures to mitigate the impact of rising temperatures and lack of precipitation.
The university has strongly urged farmers across the Valley to adopt timely crop management practices, emphasising that the primary goal during this period must be to protect crops from heat stress and soil desiccation. For fruit growers, the most critical recommendation is the application of 4–6 inches of organic mulch, such as paddy straw or grass clippings, to tree basins to retain moisture. Experts from SKUAST-K’s Division of Agrometeorology have specifically warned against the use of inorganic mulches like polythene sheets, which can inadvertently increase soil temperature and damage root systems. In orchards lacking irrigation, the university advises delaying all fertilizer applications until sufficient soil moisture is available and cautions against excessive hoeing or heavy tractor movement that could further dry out the land.
The advisory extends to field crops where growers of wheat, mustard, and peas are encouraged to monitor their fields regularly and prioritize the removal of weeds through intercultural operations to eliminate competition for limited water. Urea application in these crops should be strictly limited to 2.5 kg per kanal and only performed when adequate moisture is present.
For vegetable and floriculture sectors, particularly tulip cultivation, the university recommends light and frequent irrigation during the early morning or late evening hours. Nursery beds for sensitive crops like tomato, chili, capsicum, and cabbage should be protected with shade nets or straw coverings to mitigate heat stress.
Additionally, raking the soil in orchards can help expose dormant pupae and grubs to sunlight, while the installation of 8–10 pheromone traps per hectare is recommended to monitor for apple leaf blotch and fruit borer.
The advisory also covers the fisheries sector, where maintaining dissolved oxygen levels above 6 mg/L via aeration systems is vital. Fish farmers should maintain a water depth of 1.5–2 meters and reduce feeding rates to 1–1.5 percent of body weight during low oxygen conditions, utilizing high-protein floating pellets supplemented with Vitamin C and probiotics to ensure fish health during this challenging climatic phase.