The Hindu Business Line : Normal rain in three districts in Kerala

THE latest update on seasonal rainfall (June 1 to July 21) in Kerala reveals that Idukki, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts received `normal' precipitation.

But, according to the Agromet Advisory dated July 22 issued by the Met Office, Thiruvananthapuram, the rest - Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Kannur, Kasaragode, Kottayam, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Palakkad, Pathanamthitta, Thrissur and Wayanad - received `deficient' rainfall.

Chief amounts of rainfall in cm are (July 20 and 21):

July 20: Thodupuzha - six; Parambikkulam - five; Perumbavoor, Peermade, Nilambur and Kodungalloor - two each; and Mavelikkara, Cochin International Airport, Devikolam, Munnar, Kozhikode, Manjeri, Thrissur, Chalakkudy and Mananthavady - one each.

July 21: Hosdurg - four; Thalassery, Kasaragode and Alathur - two each; and Karipur Airport, Ottapalam, Chittur, Kollengode, Parambikkulam, Varkala, Thrissur, Vadakkancherry, Kunnamkulam and Enamackel - one each.

Mean relative humidity varied between 69 per cent and 93 per cent, man cloud coverage between five okta and eight okta and men wind speed, two kmph and six kmph.

Forecast valid until the morning of July 24 spoke about rain at many places in the State. Outlook for the two subsequent days did not indicate any significant change.

Stage and state of crops: In paddy, weeding and top dressing with fertiliser are complete and the crop is in the panicle initiation stage. Plant protection operations are also in progress wherever pest attack has been reported. Basins are being opened and organic manure applied in coconut gardens. Pepper is in the spike emergence stage and plant protection measures continue. New plantings are in progress in coconut, arecanut, pepper, cashew, tapioca and fruit crops.

Farm advisory: Stem borer and leaf roller attack is likely in the `Virippu' paddy crop. Spraying of pesticide is recommended if the pest population is found to exceed the threshold level. One per cent Bordeaux mixture may be tried with for controlling leaf rot in coconut, `mahali' in coconut and arecanut, `pollu' disease and wilt in pepper and twig blight in clove.

More Stories on : Climate & Weather | Kerala

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page