The Hindu Business Line : More rains forecast for South Kerala

THE upper air cyclonic circulation over North Bay of Bengal and adjoining Gangetic West Bengal is persisting, and this is expected to bring isolated heavy rain in South Kerala and Lakshadweep.

Forecast valid until August 18 spoke about the possibility of rain at most places in the State.

Warning: Isolated heavy rain is likely to occur over South Kerala during the 48 hours from August 16. Outlook for the two subsequent days did not indicate any significant change.

The southwest monsoon had been `weak' over the State on August 12, but became `active' the next day, says the Agromet Bulletin from the Met Office, Thiruvananthapuram. Rain occurred at most places on three days from August 13, and at many places on August 12.

Chief amounts of rainfall in cm on August 15: Aluva and Cochin International Airport - five each; Kozhikode, Karipur, Hosdurg, Vadakara, Pattambi and Perumbavur - three each; and Kannur, Kochi Airport, Kottayam, Thiruvananthapuram Airport and Haripad - two each.

Mean relative humidity varied between 66 per cent and 92 per cent in various districts, mean cloud coverage between five okta and eight okta and mean wind speed, two kmph and eight kmph.

Stage and state of crops: Paddy is nearing the `milky stage' of earhead development. Land preparation and sowing are on for the `Mundakan' crop.

Coconut gardens are witnessing application of magnesium sulphate at 500 gm per palm and infusion of green manure into the soil where `in situ' planting has been done.

In rubber, new planting, staking of young plants and planting of cover crops are in progress.

Farm advisory: Land preparation, sowing and maintenance of `Mundakan' nurseries and plant protection measures against rice bug in the `Virippu' paddy crop can be continued with.

New planting can be persisted with in arecanut, cashew, rubber, nutmeg, clove, fruit plants and vegetables. Weeding and top dressing can also be practised in pepper, ginger, tapioca, banana and vegetables.

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