The Hindu Business Line : Isolated rain forecast for Kerala

THE Met office, Thiruvananthapuram, has predicted rain at isolated places in the districts of Thrissur, Ernakulam, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Pathanamthitta, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram in a forecast valid until Saturday (February 26).

Mainly dry weather will prevail in the rest of the districts, according to the Agromet Bulletin dated February 24 issued by the Met office. Outlook for the two subsequent days did not indicate any significant change.

This comes on top of the data indicating `excess' or `normal' rainfall in 10 of the 14 districts during the season beginning January 1 and ending February 23. The rest four - Alappuzha, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and Thiruvananthapuram - recorded `deficient' rainfall during the period under reference.

Chief amounts of rainfall in cm are (February 21 to 23):

February 22: Varkala - 4 and Kollam - 2

February 23: Munnar and Punalur - 1 each.

Mean minimum temperature varied between 22°C and 26°C in various districts. Kannur recorded the lowest minimum of 21.7°C on February 22. Mean relative humidity varied between 63 per cent and 85 per cent, mean cloud coverage between one okta and six okta and mean wind speed, two kmph and 12 kmph.

Stage and state of crops: The late planted and medium duration varieties in the Mundakan paddy crop have reached the maturity stage. Transplanting has commenced in Puncha, the third summer crop, in all areas with irrigation facilities.

Massive spraying operation is still persisted with in coconut to fight the Eriophid mite attack. Intercultural operations, plant protection measures and shading of young plants are apace in coconut, arecanut, nutmeg and cardamom.

Raising of rooted cuttings has been commenced with in pepper. Rubber tapping continues to be affected in most areas due to winter leaf fall. Monthly top dressing and intercultural operations are in progress in banana, tapioca and vegetables. New planting in tapioca and seasonal vegetables is being continued with in areas with irrigation facilities.

Farm advisory: Paddy fields should be closely watched for leaf folder and rice thrips. Control measures should be adopted against plant hoppers. Sowing of pulses, sesamum and vegetables is progressing on paddy fields where harvesting is over.

The massive/community spraying against mite attack in coconut should be persisted with. Red palm weevil should also be guarded against.

Coconut and all other garden lands should be irrigated once in every 10-14 days wherever possible giving due deference to crop soil and water availability. Control measures should be adopted against stem borer attack in cashew.

New planting can be continued in banana, tapioca and seasonal vegetables in areas 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 with.

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