The Hindu Business Line : Wet spell abates in Kerala

ACCORDING to the Agromet Advisory dated June 21 issued by the Thiruvananthapuram Met Office, the southwest monsoon was weak over the State on June 20. Rain occurred at `most places' on June 17, 18 and 19 and at `many places' on June 20.

Chief amounts of rainfall in cm are (June 17 to June 20):

June 17: Kollengode - seven; Manjeri, Alathur, Munnar and Peermade - six each; Karipur Airport, Perumbavoor and Cochin International Airport - five each; and Idukki, Parambikkulam, Thodupuzha and Vadakkancherry - four each.

June 18: Aryankavu - eight; Munnar and Parambikkulam - seven each; Manjeri - six; Karipur Airport and Thiruvalla - five each; and Alathur, Chittur, Mannarkad, Kanjirappally, Vadakkancherry and Kunnamkulam - four each.

June 19: Munnar and Peermade - five each; Thodupuzha and Idukki - four each; Koilandy and Thiruvalla - three each; and Cochin International Airport and Cherthala - two each.

June 20: Kannur - two; and Hosdurg, Irinjalakkuda and Vadakara - one each.

Mean relative humidity varied between 73 per cent and 89 per cent in various districts, mean cloud coverage between five and eight okta and mean wind speed, two and 12 kmph. Forecast until June 23 spoke about rain at isolated places in all districts. Outlook for the two subsequent days did not indicate any significant change.

Stage and state of crops: In paddy, transplanting operations are over. In respect of the direct sown crop, the active tillering stage is about to reach the end. In coconut, arecanut, pepper, clove, cardamom, pineapple and vegetables, proper drainage should be ensured. Planting of new coconut seedlings continue.

Advisory for three days: In pepper, it's advisable that drenching of the vines with one per cent Bordeaux mixture/copper oxychloride at four gm/litre is continued with receipt of rainfall. The vines should be tied to the `standards.' Affected (diseased) vines should be cut and burnt.

Proper drainage facilities are needed. Planting in cardamom and pepper can be continued. Weeding and fertiliser application may be continued in all crops.

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