Monsoon Momentum: Farmers urged to maximise timely farm operations across the Islands

Port Blair: With the Southwest Monsoon setting in and widespread rainfall bringing favourable conditions across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, the Agriculture Department has called upon farmers to make optimum use of the season for timely agricultural operations and adoption of scientific crop management practices to enhance productivity during the current cropping season. Emphasising the importance of timely intervention, the Department advised paddy farmers to immediately begin nursery sowing, field preparation, bund strengthening and land levelling activities. Farmers have also been encouraged to maintain proper drainage in nurseries to prevent water stagnation and seedling damage.To improve soil fertility and boost paddy yield, sowing of Dhaincha as a green manure crop has been recommended. Incorporation of the crop before transplantation helps enrich soil organic matter and supports sustainable farming practices.The Department has made improved paddy seeds such as Gayatri and Dweep Dhan-11 (ANR-47) available through Agriculture Sub-Depots across the Islands at a subsidised rate of Rs.15 per kg. Traditional indigenous varieties including Musley, Khusbuya, Nyaw-in and Andaman Karen Sticky Rice (Black) are also available at the Seed Multiplication Farm, Nimbudera. Vegetable growers have been advised to take up sowing and transplanting of seasonal crops including bhindi, chilli, brinjal, cucumber, gourds and leafy vegetables using raised beds to avoid waterlogging. Farmers have also been asked to closely monitor crops for pest and disease outbreaks during the humid monsoon period and undertake staking wherever necessary.For plantation and spice crop growers, the Department recommended proper drainage management, planting of new seedlings, gap-filling and application of organic manure. Cinnamon growers, in particular, have been advised to utilise the moist weather for harvesting and peeling of mature bark to obtain superior quality quills and better recovery. Farmers covered under the SPICE PRAVAH initiative have been encouraged to undertake field preparation, pit digging, planting and soil conservation measures during the ongoing monsoon season for better establishment of spice plantations.Natural Farming practitioners have also been advised to utilise the favourable weather for soil enrichment activities, application of Ghan Jeevamrit, Jeevamrit and Beejamrit, mulching and incorporation of green manure crops to improve soil health and moisture retention. Reiterating the need for scientific and timely farm practices, the Department urged farmers across the Islands to fully utilise the favourable monsoon conditions to ensure higher productivity and sustainable agricultural growth this season. Farmers seeking technical guidance have been advised to contact the nearest Agriculture Sub-Depot, Zonal Agriculture Office or Kisan Call Centre at 03192-243434.