Crop Contingency Plan for Kashmir

Crop Contingency Plan for Kashmir

The Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) has developed a Crop Contingency Plan to address the anticipated drought-like conditions in Kashmir, caused by a predicted 80% rainfall deficit in winter 2024.

Key Aspects of the Crop Contingency Plan:

• Alternative Crop Promotion: To reduce reliance on water-intensive rice, SKUAST is promoting drought-resistant maize hybrids (SMC-8, SMH-5) and pulses, which require less water. The plan also recommends heat-tolerant crops like cowpea, capable of withstanding dry conditions.
• Water Conservation Methods:
  • Mulching: Applying organic materials to cover the topsoil, helping retain moisture and enhance soil health.
  • Micro-Irrigation: Advocating for the use of drip irrigation and mist sprayers to optimize water usage. Additionally, micro-sprinkler systems and organic soil amendments are suggested to support vegetable farming.
  • Anti-Transpirant Agents: Recommending the application of chemicals to reduce water loss from plants through transpiration.
• Resilient Farming Techniques: Suggesting the use of growth regulator sprays to delay early blooming and anti-transpirants for fruit crops to conserve moisture.
• Pest Management: The increasing temperatures have led to a rise in pests such as aphids and leaf miner blotch. SKUAST is providing advisories on chemical pest control measures to mitigate this threat.

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