The Hindu Business Line : Monsoon lapses into a lull in Kerala

THE Southwest monsoon seems to have lapsed into another lull in the State with reported spells of rain failing to add up to any significant measure during the four days ending August 22.

According to information with the Met Office, Thiruvananthapuram, it rained at many places on August 20, at a few places on 19th and at isolated places on August 21 and 22.

Dr M. Rajeevan, Director, Forecasting, India Meteorological Department (IMD), Pune, however, said the State is likely to get a good spell under the effect of the `pulse' that has become active over Central India bringing heavy rains to Orissa, Madhya Pradesh and East Rajasthan from Monday.

According to forecast by the Thiruvananthapuram Met Office, which is valid till August 25, it will rain at a few places in all districts. Outlook for the two subsequent days did not indicate any change.

Chief amount of rainfall in cm from August 19 to 22:

August 19: Kasaragod and Kudulu - 7 each; Hosdurg - 6; Kannur - 4, Thalassery - 2 and Vadakara - 1

August 20: Munnar - 4; Piravom and Thodupuzha - 2 each; and Kannur, Hosdurg, Kollengode, Kochi Airport, Aluva and Kodungallur - 1 each

August 21: Perumbavur - 2

August 22: Kannur - 1

Mean relative humidity varied between 73 per cent and 95 per cent in various districts, mean cloud coverage between five okta and eight okta and mean wind speed, two kmph and 14 kmph.

Stage and state of crops: Sowing and maintenance of `Mundakan' paddy nurseries continue while the `Viruppu' crop is nearing the `dough' stage of earhead development. In coconut garden, incorporation of green manure crop grown `in situ' is in progress.

Weeding and intercropping with fodder and pepper are also on. New planting continues in arecanut, cashew, rubber, spices and fruit crops. In banana, the crop is nearing maturity. Top dressing of the newly planted crops is also being taken up.

Farm advisory: A bout of bud rot is feared in the young palms of coconut. In case of actual incidence, the affected tissues of the crown must be removed and the rest must be smeared with Bordeaux paste. The crown should then be assured protection till the normal shoot emerges.

As a prophylactic measure, one per cent Bordeaux mixture may be sprayed on neighbouring palms. The crown and spindle leaves of the affected palm should also be similarlysprayed.

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