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Mercury rises as dry spell continues in Kerala

Our Bureau

THE prevailing dry spell extended in the State with no significant rain episode being reported from anywhere during the week ending May 19.

The seasonal (March 1 - May 18) rainfall statistics suffered further dent, with only five districts retaining the `excess' record, says the Agromet Bulletin dated May 19 issued by the Met Office, Thiruvananthapuram.

These five districts, with `excess' rain in percentage figures (in brackets) are Kannur (+91), Idukki and Thiruvananthapuram (+52 each), Pathanamthitta (+28) and Palakkad (+20). Five others - Wayanad (+17), Kottayam (+7), Kollam (-3), Alappuzha (-6), and Thrissur (-17) - recorded `normal' rainfall. Ernakulam (-20) and Malappuram (-40) fell in the `deficient' category, and Kasaragod (-62) and Kozhikode (-75 ) in the `scanty.'

Mean maximum temperature varied between 33°C and 35°C in various districts. Kannur recorded the highest maximum of 35.8°C on May 18. The maximum was 3°C above normal in Thiruvananthapuram district on May 16, 17 and 18, and in Kozhikode district on May 16 and 18.

Mean relative humidity varied between 63 per cent and 76 per cent in various districts, mean cloud coverage between 2 okta and 5 okta and mean wind speed, 2 kmph and 10 kmph.

Forecast valid until the morning of May 21 spoke about rain or thundershowers at isolated places in all districts. Outlook for the subsequent two days did not indicate any change.

Stage and state of crops: Transplanting of seedlings is in progress in the main fields for the Virippu paddy crop. Intercultural operations, plant protection, harvesting and processing operations are going on in coconut and arecanut. Pits are being dug in rubber and coconut plantations for taking up new planting.

Farm advisory: Transplanting of Virippu paddy in the main field can be continued with. Planting can be continued in respect of all crops what with the receipt of pre-monsoon showers.

Weeding, plant protection and irrigation operations can be carried out in cardamom nurseries. Control measures against thrips should also be undertaken alongside. In pepper, pits may be dug for undertaking new planting.

Proper guard should be mounted against red palm weevil in coconut. Stem bleeding can be noticed in some areas.

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