The Hindu Business Line : Kasaragod left high and dry

Kasaragod, with its `scanty' rainfall record, stood out in stark contrast to the fury with which early April thunderclouds rained it down with varying intensity (mostly `in excess') in the rest of the districts in the State.

As per the Agromet Bulletin dated April 15 issued by the Met Office, Thiruvananthapuram, rainfall for the season (March 1 to April 13, 2005) was `excess' in 11 districts, `normal' in two and `scanty' in one. The pattern of precipitation betrayed a pronounced bias away from the northern districts, and progressively mounting as one travelled into the central parts of the State and further to the south.

Forecast valid until the morning of April 17 (Sunday) spoke about the possibility of rain/thundershowers at a few places in all districts.

Outlook for the two subsequent days did not indicate any significant change.

Stage and state of crops: Harvesting is over in late planted Mundakan paddy crop. Puncha, the third summer paddy crop has reached the maturity stages. Nursery preparation for the `Virippu' crop is in progress where summer showers have been received. In coconut and arecanut gardens, application of lime is being continued with the receipt of showers.

Farm advisory: Land preparation for nursery and the main field can be continued in paddy. New planting, top dressing and intercultural operations can be carried out in tapioca and banana. New planting can be continued also in ginger and turmeric. Red palm weevil can cause severe destruction to young plants in coconut. Stem bleeding is likely to occur in some parts of the State.

In cashew, harvesting is apace. Control measures should be adopted to control stem borer attack. New planting can be continued in rubber. Nursery preparation of `Virippu' may be continued with.

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