The Hindu Business Line : Kerala: Week-long lull in summer rains

The Agromet Advisory dated April 22 issued by the Met Office, Thiruvananthapuram, said rainfall for the week was `deficient' in Kottayam and Wayanad districts, `scanty' in Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kollam, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Palakkad, Pathanamthitta and Thiruvananthapuram. No rain was reported from Kannur, Kasaragod and Thrissur.

However, overall, seasonal rainfall (March 1 to April 21) was `excess' in Kannur, Kasaragod and Wayanad, `normal' in Idukki, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur and `deficient' in Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Kollam, Kozhikode, Malappuram and Palakkad.

Chief amounts of rainfall in cm are (April 19 to 21):

April 19: Munnar - 2.

April 20: Punalur - 4, Kuppady - 3 and Munnar, Kottayam, Kanjirappally and Vythiri - 1 each.

April 21: Punalur- 1.

Mean maximum temperature varied between 34 deg C and 35 deg C in various districts, with the highest maximum of 35.8 deg C being recorded at Vellanikkara. The maximum temperature was three deg C above normal in Ernakulam on April 19, 20 and 21.

Mean relative humidity varied from 65 per cent to 79 per cent, mean cloud coverage between three okta, and seven okta and mean wind speeds, 2 kmph and 10 kmph.

Forecast valid until April 24 spoke about rain/thundershowers at a few places in all districts. Outlook for the two subsequent days did not indicate any significant change.

State and stage of crops:

The `Puncha' paddy crop is in the harvesting stage. Harvesting, processing and land preparation for raising nursery can be taken up in paddy. New planting, top dressing and intercultural operations are apace in tapioca, banana, ginger and turmeric. Harvesting has commenced in mango and jack.

In cashew, harvesting and seednut collection are in progress. Pits are being dug for new plantings in rubber while new planting, irrigation, top dressing and mulching operations continue in banana and vegetables.

Advisory for four days:

Land preparation and sowing in nurseries can be taken up to be in readiness for the `Virippu' crop of paddy. New planting of tapioca, banana and seasonal vegetables can also be undertaken. Harvesting and processing in clove, nutmeg, cocoa, cashew and fruit crops can be proceeded with.

Land preparation and pit taking may be resorted to in the case of new plantings in rubber and coconut. Green manure seed such as sun hemp and kozinji may be taken up in coconut gardens. Only mature nuts that fall to the ground may be collected for ensuring production of quality kernels.

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