COIMBATORE: Farmers should prepare their land for sowing during the months of June or July, according to Dr. Jayanthi, Director, Crop Management TNAU.
Giving details, Dr. Jayanthi said the district would receive less rainfall than last ear. “If we receive good rainfall in March, April and May, farmers can sow serial crops such as wheat and barley that can be harvested in 120 days. Or else they can opt for groundnut which can be harvested in 150 days. With improved technology in soil management cotton, groundnut and ragi can be grow in clay type in clay type black soil,” she said.

Stressing the importance of storing water, she said the months of April, May, June, July, September and October were best suited for agriculture. “Water has to be stored. In case of drought, these stored water can be used for agriculture,” she added.

India has adopted the seed hardening technique where chemical and organic treated nutrient solution is used to control pests. “During summer plants should be watered in the mornings or late evenings. Water evaporates quickly from the soil during summer and it is not advisable to water the plants during day time. Plants that are grown in the balconies and terrace can be watered depending on the moisture of the soil.”

Dr. Jayanthi urged people, who maintain kitchen garden in their houses, to use glazed pots “as they prevent evaporation”.