Montha cyclone: Crop-wise advisory for farmers amid rains, from ANGRAU

In the wake of cyclone Montha, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor Dr. R. Sarada Jayalakshmi Devi advised farmers across Andhra Pradesh to follow urgent crop-specific precautions to protect standing crops from heavy rainfall and waterlogging.

Paddy

Crops are at flowering to harvest stages. Drain water from fields immediately, spray Propiconazole (200 ml/acre) or Hexaconazole (400 ml/acre) to prevent grain discoloration and fungal diseases. In sprouting-prone varieties such as BPT-5204 and PLA-1100, use 5% salt solution if germination begins. Avoid excessive water and apply potash fertilizer to strengthen stems.

Maize

Remove stagnant water promptly to prevent lodging. Dry partially damaged cobs to 12-13% moisture. After drainage, spray 1% urea + 0.5% zinc sulfate for recovery. For fungal and leaf spot control, spray Propiconazole (1 ml/litre) or Mancozeb (2.5 g/litre).

Pulses (Green gram, Black gram, Red gram): Drain water quickly. After a week, spray 1% NPK fertiliser or Potassium Nitrate to boost recovery. For root rot and leaf spot, use Hexaconazole (2 ml/litre) or Propiconazole (1 ml/litre). To control pod borers, spray Chlorpyrifos (2.5 ml/litre), Novaluron (1 ml/litre), or Spinosad (0.3 ml/litre).

Groundnut

Do not uproot the crop during rains. Avoid piling harvested pods, as they may sprout. After rains, spray Mancozeb (2.5 g/litre) + Carbendazim (12%) or Hexaconazole (2 ml/litre). For leaf-eating caterpillars, use Emamectin Benzoate (0.4 g/litre).

Cotton

Drain water from fields immediately. Spray 2% urea or 2% potassium nitrate twice at a 5–7 day interval to revive crop growth. For leaf spots and boll rot, use Mancozeb (3 g/litre) or Copper Oxychloride (3 g/litre). To prevent flower and boll drop, spray Planofix (0.25 ml/litre).

Sugarcane

In low-lying areas, remove standing water on war-foot basis. If growth is stunted after drainage, apply 25 kg urea + 25 kg potash per acre as a booster dose. For sucking pests, spray Dimethoate (1.7 ml/litre).

Dr. Sarada Jayalakshmi Devi urged farmers to stay alert, ensure timely drainage, and follow these integrated pest and nutrient management measures to minimise cyclone Montha’s impact on agriculture.