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Paddy Farmers Alert: Protect Crops from Irrigation & Disease as Ears Emerge
- •Farmers in Azamgarh are advised on critical care for paddy crops as ears begin to emerge.
- •Agricultural expert Dr. Akhilesh emphasizes careful irrigation during the ear emergence and grain formation stages.
- •Maintain adequate moisture with limited irrigation; excessive waterlogging can harm the crop and lead to diseases.
- •Evening irrigation is recommended, ensuring no excessive water accumulation to prevent plant lodging and panicle shedding.
- •Watch out for brown planthopper disease, especially in September; spray 'Bruno' mixed in 400 liters of water per acre if symptoms appear.
Key Questions Answered
When paddy ears start to emerge and grain formation begins, farmers need to pay special attention to crop irrigation. The crop requires sufficient water, but excessive irrigation causing waterlogging should be avoided by using limited, light irrigation to maintain soil moisture.
Excessive waterlogging softens the soil, which can cause plants to fall over in strong winds and lead to the shedding of panicles. It can also trigger disease problems in the crops, so any accumulated excess water should be drained immediately.
In September, increased use of urea due to heat and less rain can make paddy crops vulnerable to brown planthopper disease, which causes plants to dry out by sucking sap. If this disease appears, farmers can immediately spray the Bruno medicine mixed in 400 liters of water per acre.
