Jaunpur: Rabi season is the most important time of the year for farmers. The crops being grown during this period like wheat, gram, peas, mustard and barley determine the income for the entire year. Therefore, protection and proper care of these crops is very important. Dr. Ramesh Chandra Yadav, Deputy Project Director (ATMA) of the Agriculture Department, has given many important suggestions to the farmers to protect their crops and increase production in the Rabi season.
Seed treatment first protection of the crop
Dr. Yadav says that first of all farmers should pay attention to seed treatment. Seeds sown without treatment can cause the crop to become a victim of diseases from the very beginning. He told that before sowing the seeds should be prepared by both biological and chemical treatment. This strengthens the crop and reduces the chances of diseases.
Plowing the field is very important
Light and balanced moisture is necessary for Rabi crop. Too much water or excessive dryness can both harm crops. Dr. Yadav said that irrigation should be done from time to time, but do not overfill the water at all. Especially it is very important to do the first irrigation of wheat in 20-25 days, which strengthens the roots of the crop.
Not only this, weeds are the biggest threat to Rabi crops. Weed control is necessary within 25–30 days of sowing the crop. If weeds grow in the field, nutrients and moisture reduce, which affects production. If farmers want, they can control it with medicines or by hand weeding.
Disease and pest management necessary in crops
Many types of diseases and pests can appear in Rabi crops. Like aphid in mustard, spot disease in wheat, caterpillar in gram. Dr. Yadav said that farmers should regularly inspect their fields and if symptoms of any disease are seen, they should immediately use appropriate medicine after consulting the Agriculture Department or the nearest agriculture center.
Balanced use of fertilizer is very important in Rabi crop. Dr. Yadav said that fertilizer should be used only on the basis of soil test report, because both more or less quantity can affect the crop. Right amount of nitrogen, phosphorus and potash increases the quality and production of the crop.
Regular inspection of the farm is necessary
Dr. Yadav appealed to the farmers to inspect the fields from time to time, keep taking information about the weather and follow the training and advice given by the Agriculture Department. If farmers adopt these precautions then they get better production in Rabi crops and the fields remain safe.
Adopting these precautions not only keeps the crop safe but also increases the income of the farmers. Seed treatment, moisture management, weed control, disease-pest management and proper use of balanced fertilizers are the keys to the success of Rabi season crops.
