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Our Bureau

RAINFALL statistics for the first two months of the year indicate that five districts (Kannur, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Palakkad and Wayanad) recorded `excess' rainfall.

According to the Agromet Bulletin issued by the Met Office, Thiruvananthapuram, it was `normal' in four districts (Ernakulam, Idukki, Kasaragod and Kollam) and `deficient' in another four (Alappuzha, Kottayam, Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur). Pathanamthitta was the sole district to record a `scanty' rainfall during the season.

The fact that no rain was recorded in as many as 12 districts during the week ending March 2 seems to have tilted the scales discomfortingly and blotched the rain record up till February end. The mercury that scaled higher scales more or less corroborate this.

Mean maximum temperature varied between 32°C and 37°C in various districts. Vellanikkara in Thrissur recorded the highest maximum of 36.8°C on March 1. Mean minimum temperature varied between 21°C and 25°C with Kottayam recording the lowest minimum of 20.5°C.

Mean relative humidity varied between 60 per cent and 77 per cent, mean cloud coverage between one okta and five okta and mean wind speed, two kmph and 10 kmph. Forecast valid until the morning of March 5 spoke about mainly dry weather in all districts. Outlook for the two subsequent days did not indicate any significant change.

State and stage of crops: The late-planted varieties in the Mundakan paddy is in maturity stages. Transplanting operations are over in Puncha, the third summer crop, in all areas with irrigation facilities. Massive spraying operation is persisted in coconut to fight Eriophid mite attack.

Plant protection measures, intercultural operations and shading of younger plants are progressing in coconut, arecanut and nutmeg. Rubber tapping continues to be affected due to winter leaf fall.

Banana and vegetables are in different stages of growth. Monthly top dressing and intercultural operations are on in banana, tapioca and vegetables.

Farm advisory: Paddy fields should be closely watched for leaf folder and rice thrips. Plant protection measures should be adopted against plant hoppers and blast disease. Sowing of pulses, sesamum and vegetables is continuing in paddy fields where harvesting operations are over.

The massive spraying in coconut should be continued. Red palm weevil also should be guarded against. Irrigate coconut and other garden land crops to the extent possible once in 10-14 days depending on crop soil and water availability.

Control measures should be taken against stem borer attack in cashew. New planting can be continued in banana, tapioca and seasonal vegetables with assured irrigation source. Based on leaf fall intensity, rubber tapping may be temporarily withheld.

It can be resumed in intervals of three days. New planting (if gap filling is required), weeding and fertiliser application may be carried out in rubber.

Nursery preparation of coconut, arecanut and pepper may be continued.

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