Faridabad: The December winter in Faridabad has now become a headache for the farmers. It has been so cold continuously for the last two days that every morning a thick blanket of white fog is visible in the fields. Even vision is difficult in the morning. This weather has increased the concern of farmers, especially those who have planted potatoes and mustard in their fields. They say that if a few more days pass like this, the crops will be ruined.
The fog has taken away the sleep
Most of the farmers in Deeg village of Faridabad cultivate potatoes and mustard. These days, both the crops are flourishing in the fields and there is greenery everywhere, but the fog has kept them awake. Farmers fear that if there is continuous fog, potato blight will occur. Due to this the entire crop gets spoiled.
Fog is the enemy of crops
While talking to Local18, farmer Kunwarpal of Deeg village openly expressed his concerns. He said that there has been continuous fog for two days and its direct impact is on the potato crop. Potato suffers the most damage. If the fog continues like this then even mustard will not survive and yes fog is not good for vegetables also. Blight disease occurs in potatoes, the leaves get burnt and the yield falls.
What precautions should be taken
Kunwarpal said that farmers have to be very careful at this time. It is important to maintain moisture in the field. As soon as fog appears, light irrigation should be done whether it is potato or mustard. This reduces the effect of cold and fog a little. He also told that farmers can spray sulfur in their fields, this can protect the crops from frost.
Fog increased fear among farmers
Referring to last year, Kunwarpal said that there was similar fog last year also. Even then there was loss in both potato and mustard. For the same reason this time the fear has increased further. If the weather does not cooperate, then months of hard work of the farmers will turn into dust.
Loss to mustard and potato farming
Potato cultivation is anyway very expensive for the farmers. Kunwarpal says that about 60 thousand rupees are spent in sowing and taking care of Alki in one acre. The cost of seeds, fertilizers, medicines, irrigation and labor all together increases a lot and on top of that, if the crop gets spoiled, then the farmer’s back is broken.
Mustard cultivation is a little cheaper. About 15 to 20 thousand rupees are spent on mustard in one acre. The cost is low, but if the weather does not cooperate then it is difficult to avoid losses. Kunwarpal told that this time he has sown mustard in 10 acres and potatoes in 20 acres. If the crop gets damaged in such a large field, it is almost impossible to compensate for the loss.
Farmers are keeping an eye on the weather
Now, farmers not only of Deeg village but also of many villages of Faridabad are keeping an eye on the weather. If cold and fog continue for a long time, the problem will only increase. Everyone’s only prayer is that the weather should clear up soon, the crop may be saved and the year’s hard work should not go in vain.
