Pirul leaves are more dangerous than petrol! Will protect vegetables from cold and frost in the mountains, know this unique formula

In the Kumaon region including Bageshwar, frost is common from November to January, but spinach suffers the most damage among green leafy vegetables in this season. As soon as frost occurs, the tender leaves of spinach get burnt and turn black, and the entire crop gets destroyed. Many times farmers have to re-sow again and again, which increases the cost. Production decreases. Cultivating spinach in this season is considered risky, but the farmers of the hills, with their wisdom and experience, have already found an indigenous solution to this challenge, which is now going viral on social media as well.

Local farmers use dry leaves falling from pine trees, called Pirul in the local language, to protect the spinach beds from frost. Before the temperature drops at night, farmers spread a thin layer of Pirul on the spinach beds. This layer does not allow frost to freeze directly on the plants and prevents cold shock to a great extent. The special structure of Pirul makes it a natural insulator, due to which light heat remains under it. This method is considered simple, cheap and very effective.

Pirul leaves are light, fibrous and dry. They have the ability to naturally control moisture, and allow air to pass through them. Therefore, when these are spread over spinach, they prevent frost from reaching the leaves. Their thickness allows changes in temperature to reach the plants gradually, preventing them from being hit by sudden cold snaps. Farmers say that the layer of Pirul covers the crop like a natural quilt. This is the reason why spinach leaves remain fresh and safe despite frost.

When the sun comes out and the temperature starts rising, farmers easily remove the layer of Pirul. Since Pirul leaves are light, it does not take much time to remove them and it does not cause any harm to the crop. As soon as the pyrula is removed, the spinach leaves immediately start looking fresh after getting air and sunlight. Farmers say that Pirul should not be left in the field for a long time, because there is a risk of flowering due to it. Therefore, the method of removing it daily and placing it again at night when needed is considered very effective.

Farmers claim that 80–90% of the spinach crop is protected by the use of Pirul. The damage caused by frost becomes almost negligible. In areas where farmers used to face problems due to frost every year, now this indigenous method has become a big source of hope for them. Some farmers say that when they did not plant Pirul, the entire crop would get burnt and ruined, but after taking this measure, they now cultivate spinach without any worries. Get better production.

The special thing about this solution is that farmers do not have to spend any extra money in it. Pine forests are found in large numbers in the hilly areas and the Pirul leaves falling from there are easily available for free. Earlier these were considered useless, but now they have become the biggest weapon in saving the farmers’ agriculture.

Pirul slowly rots and makes the soil fertile and contains good amount of carbon. This maintains the moisture of the field and also improves the structure of the soil. Pirul has always been used in traditional farming as an organic material, which increases production without harming the environment.

This indigenous method is not just based on traditional knowledge but is completely based on scientific principles. Natural conservation, use of local resources and low-cost farming are very important even today. Agricultural experts believe that this Pirul based technology can become a model for other cold areas also. This method is going viral on social media and people are praising the wisdom of the mountain farmers.