From seed distribution to crop calendars, the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) has an motion plan to deal with the dry situations it expects in Kashmir this summer.
Kashmir has had a dry winter this yr with the months of January and February recording a rainfall deficit of round 80%. Even although the climate division had forecast a moist spell till February 28, there has additionally been a important shortfall of snow in Kashmir, plus the attendant penalties.
Crop contingency plan
Experts have beforehand warned that if the dry climate continued, it might result in a drought-like scenario in the following spring and summer. They have additionally pressured that it might severely have an effect on water-dependent sectors similar to irrigated agriculture (paddy), horticulture, hydroelectric energy manufacturing, and even ingesting water provide.
Forests are additionally vulnerable to wildfires and a few have already been reported.
In anticipation, researchers at SKUAST are prepared with planting and adaptation methods for farmers in the area.
Asif Bashir Shikari, head of the National Seed Project at SKUAST, mentioned Kashmir has been experiencing erratic climate for a number of years now. This yr, the snowless winter has left the area in a precarious scenario.
He added that SKUAST has ready a “crop contingency plan” led by its vice-chancellor Nazir Ganai for short- and long-term mitigation of a drought-like scenario.
“Briefly, our action plan for these weather fluctuations operates on two fronts. First, on logistics support, what we provide to farmers and other stakeholders in terms of benefits and support in a situation like drought; and second, it comprises farm advisory services,” Asif mentioned. “Among agricultural inputs, seed availability is the most important, especially in drought-like conditions, where having the right planting material is paramount.”
“Annually, we require 1.5 lakh quintals of seed, with farmers specifically depending on certified seed. To meet this demand, the university produces at least 100 quintals of breeder seed of field and vegetable crops,” he added.
The scientist pressured that in case of a drought-like scenario, he and his friends suggest the consumption of crops apart from rice and “accordingly facilitate the enhanced seed availability of drought-tolerant maize varieties and hybrids, such as SMC-8 and SMH-5, and pulses, as these crops are more resilient to dry conditions. Pulses, in particular, require less water and can still produce a reasonable yield with minimal losses.”
Helping crops survive
“Apart from seed management, we emphasise implementing other drought mitigation strategies. For vegetable crops, techniques like mulching — covering the topsoil with material such as bark, wood chips, leaves, and other organic material in order to preserve moisture and improve the soil condition — can be practiced,” Asif mentioned.
Experts additionally advisable utilizing anti-transpirant brokers, which block vegetation from releasing water into the air. Similar measures are utilized to horticultural crops like apples.
“We also promote micro-irrigation systems, such as drip irrigation, by installing demonstration units in farmers’ fields. Water-saving technologies such as mist sprayers are already in use in saffron fields,” in response to Asif. “Through these combined efforts, we aim to help farmers adapt to changing weather conditions and sustain agricultural productivity.”
Helping crops survive additionally means maintaining pests at bay. With rising temperature, pests that had been beforehand docile have turn into invasive and extra lively. For instance, a frequent pest referred to as aphids completes its life cycle a lot quicker and produces extra generations per yr in hotter climate. Leaf miner blotch, a pest of apple crops, has graduated from being a minor to a main concern for a similar motive, researchers mentioned. “This necessitates issuing advisories to farmers and suggesting innovative chemical control measures in such situations,” Zafar Mehdi, affiliate professor in the Division of Basic Sciences and Humanities at SKUAST, mentioned.
The motion plan has a number of classes of advisory providers. “The meteorological department provides weather data, and based on that, we develop crop calendars.” These calendars specify regular crop cycles in addition to alternate crops that should be planted in case of drought situations,” Zafar added.
“Take Budgam, for example, a significant vegetable-producing region,” Asif mentioned. “Abrupt climatic changes in the Kashmir Valley, including rising temperatures and [incidence of] drought, threaten vegetable crop production. Kharif vegetables, particularly those from the Solanaceae and Cucurbitaceae families, suffer from heat and water stress, affecting germination, pollen sterility, growth and yield.”
The corresponding interventions in this situation, he continued, embrace deciding on heat-tolerant crops to plant, like fava bean and cowpea, in addition to short-duration varieties. He additionally urged adjusting planting schedules, utilizing improved seedling manufacturing methods, and using methods that preserve soils’ vitamins and moisture.
“Efficient irrigation methods like drip and micro-sprinkler systems, along with organic soil amendments and foliar nutrition, can enhance resilience and ensure sustainable vegetable production,” Asif added.
A persistent drawback
Unlike meals crops, nonetheless, fruit crops can’t be rescued by crop rotation. They want direct mitigation methods. “For example, advisories outline the necessary sprays for early blooming, including applications of growth regulators,” in response to Asif. “If almond trees bloom early, specific measures are suggested to protect the fruit. Similarly, in the event of water loss, sprays containing anti-transpirants and other essential chemicals are recommended.”
He added that the supply of fodder seed has additionally been a persistent drawback as a result of the native manufacturing of seeds is restricted. And in a drought-like scenario, the manufacturing drops additional.
“Since fodder is typically harvested at the green stage, seed production does not occur within the valley. However, seed production is essential, and the university has taken significant steps in this regard. As a strategic approach, we cultivate fodder seeds in the Jammu region. Last year, we produced approximately 300 quintals of foundation seed and supplied it to the Department of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry for further multiplication,” Asif mentioned.
Hirra Azmat is a Kashmir-based journalist who writes extensively on well being and setting. Her tales have appeared in numerous native and nationwide publications.
Published – March 05, 2025 05:30 am IST
