Farmers told to adopt integrated farming to combat water stress

The state is grappling with its driest October, November and December in eight years, causing severe water stress that threatens crop yields and increases the risk of disease outbreaks. Solan, in particular, has not received any rainfall since September, leaving cultivated fields parched. This abnormal dry spell has raised concerns about agricultural productivity and sustainability.

Dr Satish Bhardwaj, Head of the Department of Environment Science at Nauni University, noted that post-monsoon months typically receive minimal rainfall. However, the lack of any precipitation this season has posed a severe challenge to vegetable crops like cabbage, cauliflower, peas, onions, garlic and other root crops. These crops require adequate soil moisture during critical growth stages. Without it, outcomes such as early flowering, small pod sizes, and reduced pea yields are likely. Additionally, fruit saplings face stunted root development and heightened disease susceptibility due to insufficient soil moisture.

In response, the university has issued an advisory urging farmers to adopt integrated farming systems to combat water stress. Shifting from mono-cropping to multi-enterprise farming that integrates fruit cultivation and livestock can mitigate the impacts of water scarcity. Scientists also recommend implementing fruit-based agroforestry models to build crop resilience against unpredictable weather conditions.

For wheat cultivation, farmers should consider drought-resistant, late-sown varieties like HPW-155 and HPW-368. Farmers who have already sown wheat are advised to provide life-saving irrigation during the Crown Root Initiation stage. In areas experiencing dry conditions, transplanting onions should be delayed until late December. Crops already planted, such as onion, garlic, rapeseed, mustard, toria, and lentils, should receive life-saving irrigation at critical growth stages.

To conserve water, farmers are encouraged to grow vegetables requiring less water, including radish, turnip, spinach and beetroot. These crops can also serve as intercrops in fruit orchards or agroforestry systems. Other water conservation practices, such as mulching with dry grass residue, are highly recommended. A 5–10 cm layer of mulch helps retain soil moisture.

In large fields where irrigation or mulching is unfeasible, applying anti-transpirants, such as Kaolin at 5 kg per 100 litres of water per hectare, can reduce water loss through transpiration and protect plant health. Enhancing irrigation facilities through rainwater harvesting structures like farm ponds is also crucial for managing moisture stress.

Farmers have been advised to delay planting new fruit trees until sufficient rainfall occurs. If planting is unavoidable, regular irrigation must be ensured for sapling survival. Young fruit saplings should be covered with gunny bags, leaving the southern and southeastern sides open, to shield them from harsh conditions.

Natural farming practices are being promoted to build resilience. Farmers practising natural farming are encouraged to apply Jeevamrit as a foliar spray (10–20%) or as solid drenching at 15-day intervals. Mulching and refreshing the Whaapsa line are also recommended to protect crops. During this dry spell, farmers should avoid basin preparation or fertiliser application and instead use grass mulch to conserve soil moisture.

The university has also emphasised the importance of efficient irrigation scheduling to maximise water productivity. Farmers are encouraged to install rainwater harvesting systems and use weather-based advisory services via the Meghdoot app to plan agricultural activities effectively.

To gain insights into sustainable practices, farmers are advised to visit fields where natural farming is practiced or university research stations like Mashobra, Krishi Vigyan Kendra Rohru, or other nearby centres. By adopting these measures, farmers can mitigate the adverse effects of the ongoing dry spell, protect their crops and enhance resilience to drought conditions, Dr Bhardwaj opined.