Lucknow: The 23rd meeting of the Crop Weather Watch Group for 2024-25, chaired by Dr. Sanjay Singh, Director General of Uttar Pradesh Agricultural Research Council, was held on January 23, 2025. Based on current weather conditions in the state, the following agricultural management suggestions have been issued for the next two weeks:
Weather Forecast (January 24–30, 2025)
According to the Indian Meteorological Department, light rain or drizzle is expected in certain areas of the southwestern semi-arid plains, mid-western plains, and western parts of the central plains from January 24 to January 30, 2025.
- Temperature Trends:
- Maximum temperatures are likely to remain near normal in most agro-climatic zones. However, dense fog in the initial phase may cause a gradual dip, followed by an increase in temperature due to strong winds (15-25 km/h) between January 25 and 27.
- Minimum temperatures in Bundelkhand are expected to remain 2-3°C below normal, while in other regions, they may hover around normal or slightly below.
Second Week Outlook (January 31–February 6, 2025)
Light rain is anticipated in parts of the Vindhya and adjoining eastern plains during this period. Maximum temperatures will remain near or slightly above normal across most zones, with some areas in the southern Vindhya region experiencing temperatures 2-3°C above normal.
Crop Management Recommendations
Wheat
- Reduce irrigation intervals if temperatures rise. Ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging, which weakens plants and increases susceptibility to lodging in strong winds.
- Treat leaf spot diseases with Thiofanate Methyl (70% WP) at 700g per hectare or Mancozeb (75% WP) at 2kg per hectare in 750 liters of water.
Mustard (Rai)
- Control hairy caterpillars using Malathion (50% EC) at 1.5 liters or Quinalphos (25% EC) at 1.25 liters per hectare in 500-600 liters of water.
Lentils
- Protect against black aphids with Acetamiprid (20 SP) at 50g or Imidacloprid (17.8 SL) at 0.2 ml per liter of water per hectare.
Peas
- Guard against Downey Mildew and Powdery Mildew by applying sulfur dust at 25-30 kg per hectare.
Tomatoes
- Combat fruit borers with neem-based insecticides (3ml/liter water) or Flubendiamide (20ml per 100 liters of water per acre).
Mangoes
- Spray Fenitrothion (1ml/liter) or Dimethoate (1.5ml/liter) to prevent midge infestation during flowering.
- Use mechanical methods to remove stem borers and treat affected holes with Chlorpyrifos (2ml/liter) soaked cotton plugs, sealing with soil.
Amla (Gooseberry)
- Mix Beauveria bassiana (fungus) at 2-5g per liter of water and apply around the tree trunk to control termites.
Animal Husbandry
- Protect livestock from cold with warm water mixed with carom seeds and feed mustard oil to smaller animals.
- Provide a balanced diet with 60% dry and 40% green fodder.
Fisheries
- Maintain a water level of 5-6 feet in carp ponds and 8-10 feet in pangasius ponds. Replace 10-20% of pond water daily with fresh tubewell water.
Sericulture
- Prepare for spring silkworm rearing from February 5-20 for eri silk and February 20 onwards for mulberry silk. Ensure disinfection of tools and rearing spaces in advance.
Compensation for Cold Wave Casualties
- Families affected by deaths due to severe cold and fog are eligible for a financial aid of ₹4 lakh as per state policies.
Farmers are advised to follow these guidelines to mitigate weather impacts and ensure optimal crop health.