Farmers advised on wheat sowing, pulses, oilseeds, vegetable cultivation and livestock care
Palampur, October 16:
Scientists of the Directorate of Extension Education at CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya (CSKHPKV), Palampur, have issued an agricultural advisory for the second fortnight of October, recommending timely sowing of rabi crops, proper vegetable cultivation, plant protection measures and improved livestock management to help farmers achieve better yields
The advisory, prepared in view of Himachal Pradesh’s prevailing weather and agro-climatic conditions, provides recommendations for farmers across the low and mid-hill regions of the state.
Wheat, Pulses and Oilseed Cultivation
Farmers in low and mid-hill areas have been advised to sow wheat from the last week of October to mid-November. Recommended varieties include HS-542 and VL-829, with a seed rate of 100 kg per hectare. Seed treatment with a recommended fungicide before sowing has also been advised to protect the crop against diseases.
The university has recommended sowing gram during the second fortnight of October in well-drained loamy or sandy soil. Himachal Chana-1, Himachal Chana-2 and GPF-2 are among the recommended varieties. Farmers have also been advised to follow appropriate row spacing and seed-treatment practices to manage wilt disease. Vipasha and Markande are the recommended lentil varieties for the state.
For oilseed cultivation, farmers can sow Raya varieties RCC-4 and Karan Rai, Gobhi Sarson varieties Neelam, Sheetal and ONK-1, brown mustard varieties KBS-3 and HPBS-1, and Him Palam Linseed-1 and Him Palam Linseed-2. The university has also recommended intercropping Gobhi Sarson (Neelam) with gram in a 1:1 ratio in rainfed areas to improve productivity.
Advisory on Vegetables and Plant Protection
The advisory recommends sowing early pea varieties such as Palam Triloki, Arakal, VL-7 and Pea Ageta in the lower hills. October is also considered suitable for garlic sowing, with GHC-1, Agri-Found Parvati and Solan Selection among the recommended varieties.
Farmers have been advised to sow spinach, fenugreek, coriander, radish, carrot and turnip directly in the fields, while healthy seedlings of cauliflower, cabbage, knol-khol, Chinese cabbage and broccoli can be transplanted according to local conditions. This is also the appropriate time to raise an onion nursery, with seed treatment recommended before sowing.
To protect crops against diseases and pests, the university has stressed proper seed treatment, nursery-bed sanitation and timely weed control. Farmers facing cutworm problems have been advised to seek appropriate plant-protection guidance and follow recommended pesticide doses and safety precautions.
Livestock Care and Dairy Management
Livestock owners have been advised to maintain cleanliness around cattle sheds and take preventive measures against insects, parasites and infectious diseases, including foot-and-mouth disease and lumpy skin disease. Veterinary assistance should be sought immediately if animals show symptoms such as loss of appetite, fever, lameness or abnormal discharge from the hooves.
The advisory emphasises timely breeding after calving, balanced feeding and mineral supplementation. Newborn calves should receive colostrum equal to one-tenth of their body weight within one to two hours of birth. Farmers have also been encouraged to harvest and dry locally available grasses for storage and preserve green fodder through silage-making.
Fish farmers have been advised to maintain adequate oxygen levels in ponds by adding fresh water or using aerators during the early morning hours. Poultry farmers should provide 15–16 hours of light, keep poultry bedding dry and procure chicks for meat production from reliable hatcheries.
Nutrition, Food Preservation and Household Management
The university has also recommended including green leafy vegetables, pulses, milk and milk products, seasonal fruits and millets in family diets. Households have been advised to preserve seasonal produce through drying and other suitable methods, prepare pickles and chutneys hygienically, and protect food grains and pulses from moisture and insect infestation.
Women working in agricultural fields should receive adequate drinking water, nutritious food and sufficient rest.
The university has urged farmers and livestock owners to contact their nearest Krishi Vigyan Kendra or the Agriculture Technology Information Centre (ATIC) at 01894-230395 or the toll-free number 1800-180-1551 for detailed technical guidance suited to local conditions.
