The Hindu Business Line : Harvesting under way in Kerala

HARVESTING and post-harvest drying operations are in progress all over the State, according to the Agromet Advisory Bulletin dated February 16 issued by the Met Office, Thiruvananthapuram.

In Kuttanad, the `Puncha' crop has reached the grain filling stages. Land preparation and sowing of the `Puncha' have commenced in the harvested fields. Sowing of pulses and vegetables has also started in rice fallows. Seed nut collection and mulching continued in coconut gardens while, in arecanut, seed nuts are being sown in nurseries. Rubber tapping and shading of young plants are apace in the plantations.

Advisory for 3 days: The ongoing land preparation and sowing of `Puncha' crop can be persisted with, depending on availability of water. Sowing of pulses and vegetables can also be continued in rice fallows.

In pepper, select runner shoots can be separated for raising cuttings.

In coconut, a bout of attack by black-headed caterpillar can be expected in case of which affected leaves would need to be cut down and burnt. Need-based control operations can be resorted to for containing thrips in cardamom, tea mosquito in cashew and mango hoppers in mango.

Summary of weather: Rain/thundershowers occurred at isolated places in the State on February 14. Dry weather prevailed on the remaining days of the 4 days ending February 16. Munnar recorded 4.8 mm rain on February 14.

Mean minimum temperature varied between 21 deg C and 25 deg C in various districts, with Kannur, Cochin International Airport and Kottayam recording the lowest minimum of 20 deg C on February 13, 14 and 15.

Mean relative humidity varied between 49 per cent and 73 per cent, mean cloud coverage between 1 okta and 5 okta and mean wind speed, 2 kmph and 14 kmph.

Forecast valid until February 18 spoke about dry weather in all districts. Outlook for the subsequent two days did not indicate any significant change.