5 Easy Ways to Protect Crops in the Severe Cold, Key Advice from the Agriculture Department

Protecting crops

Krishi Dunia

• 23 Dec, 2024 11:30 AM IST ,
• Updated Mon, 23 Dec 2024 12:30 PM

The biting cold and chilly winds of winter can pose a major challenge for farmers. During the winter season, the likelihood of crop damage increases, especially when frost and cold waves hit. This year, due to a western disturbance, an increase in cold and light rainfall is predicted from December 23 to January 5. In such a scenario, farmers need to take extra precautions to protect their crops.

Ongoing Threat of Frost and Cold Waves:

Prakash Chandra Bunkar, Joint Director of Agriculture (Extension) in Rajasthan, mentioned that crops such as tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, coriander, peas, chickpeas, mustard, and wheat are at significant risk from frost. He advised farmers that taking timely and correct steps can help protect crops from damage.

Suggested Measures by the Agriculture Department:

The Agriculture Department has recommended five key measures to protect crops from frost and cold waves. By following these steps, farmers can ensure their crops remain safe during extreme cold weather.

1. Create Smoke
   If frost is expected, farmers should burn grass, straw, and other debris along the field’s edges at night to create smoke. This helps retain heat in the atmosphere and reduces the effect of the cold. This method is highly effective in protecting crops from frost.
2. Spray Sulfur and Thio-Urea
   Farmers should spray a 0.1% solution of sulfur (2 grams per liter of water) or thio-urea (500 PPM) on their crops every 15 days. This will protect crops from the effects of the cold and help maintain their growth.
3. Light Irrigation
   In anticipation of frost, farmers should irrigate fields lightly. This helps retain moisture in the soil and can raise the temperature by 0.5 to 2 degrees Celsius. This simple measure is an effective way to protect crops from cold damage.
4. Cover the Crops
   Cover vegetables and other sensitive crops with polyethylene sheets, straw, or other materials to protect them from frost. Additionally, placing windbreak tarps along the field edges can provide protection from cold winds.
5. Plant Windbreak Trees
   Farmers should plant windbreak trees such as mulberry, neem, khejri, and acacia along the field boundaries. These trees act as a barrier to cold winds and help protect crops. This long-term solution improves the overall environment around the fields.

Special Alert for Farmers: Agriculture experts have advised farmers to keep an eye on the weather forecasts and implement these measures promptly. Vigilance is the most effective way to protect crops during these harsh winter days.

Impact of Frost and Cold Waves: Frost and cold waves directly affect crop yield and quality. Cold temperatures cause water in the plant tissues to freeze, damaging their cells. Timely precautions not only help save crops but also prevent economic losses.

Conclusion: Protecting crops in the biting cold is a significant responsibility for every farmer. The measures suggested by the Agriculture Department are simple, effective, and practical. By implementing these, farmers can safeguard their hard-earned produce and stabilize their income. Taking timely action in this cold season is the most powerful tool for protecting crops.