Since there is very little chance to retrieve the Kharif paddy after massive destruction of agricultural fields due to the twin tragedies of cyclone and floods, the agricultural scientists have suggested for early preparation to grow Rabi crops in more areas so as to minimise the Kharif loss.
All varieties of pulses and oil crops like groundnut and mustard could be grown in more areas along with vegetables like potato in the cyclone and flood-affected areas from early November after the water is completely drained out from the fields, feels Dr Trilochan Mohapatra, Director of Central Rice Research Institute (CRRI).
The Institute has formed five teams of scientists, which would extensively tour the various affected areas to study the exact nature of damage and suggest the needs and requirements in specific areas after assessing the situation locally, Dr Mohapatra said. He said each team would consist of a plant breeder, a plant physiologist and a member of crop production unit of the CRRI.
“The teams visiting the cyclone-hit areas would submit their findings within seven days and the reports from teams for flood-affected areas are expected within a fortnight,” Dr Mohapatra informed this correspondent on Wednesday. He, however, appeared uncertain when asked as to whether there is any chance to revive the paddy crop, most of which has lodged on the ground due to the cyclone.
He said there is less chance to retrieve anything from where the long-duration varieties are grown as the crops might not have attained the flowering stage by now. “But there are certain long-duration varieties (more than 150 days’ duration) which have kneeling abilities, and despite being lodged in the ground, they can take turn and grow upward,” Dr Mohapatra said, adding that these crops are to be left as they are. The lodged crop could also be made erect by lifting it in small groups, he said.
“In the mid-maturity varieties (120 to 125 days’ duration), where the physiological maturity has taken place, the crop could be harvested and stored after putting it in five per cent sodium chloride so that there would be no germination, no discolouring and it would not be afflicted by fungus,” Dr Mohapatra said.