Agricultural scientists of Birsa Agricultural University (BAU), Ranchi have came forward to rescue farmers of the State and shared many important suggestions for the farmers of the State to prevent Coronavirus infection.
During the harvesting and processing of Rabi crops, scientists have asked farmers to strictly follow social distancing, apply mouth masks and take utmost care in the use of crop harvesting equipment and food utensils.
BAU Crop scientist and Dean Agriculture, Dr MS Yadav said that in view of the Corona crisis, it would be better to use machine-driven equipment in harvesting. “There is a need to disinfect the equipment by using soap-powered water at least three times throughout the day in the use of hand-operated agricultural equipment.
In harvesting, farmers need to pay special attention to social distance. At the time of harvesting and eating food in the fields, a distance of at least 5 meters between two persons should be kept. Keep food and drink utensils separately, wash them thoroughly with soapy water and use them only. At the time of agricultural work, keep sufficient quantity of drinking water and soap water in the fields. At the time of harvesting, the equipment used by one person should not be used by another person. Individuals associated with agricultural work should keep their agricultural equipment separately,” he added.
The Scientist suggested that at the time of harvesting, all farmers and labourers should keep separate water bottles. “Drink water in a few intervals. During the harvesting, he used to wash his hands thoroughly with water. Clothes worn on the first day in agricultural work were not worn on the second day. Wash clothes thoroughly with soap and re-wear clothes after drying them completely in the sun,” he said.
Dr. Yadav has advised farmers to harvest Mustard and Tisi crops without any delay. When the crop is mature, it is asked to harvest other standing crops,he added. Yadav said that in the coming days, with clear sky, there is a hint of an increase of two to three degrees Celsius in day and night temperatures.
“Considering the possibility of the weather being dry and clean, it is advised to complete harvesting of all mature crops and dry harvesting and harvesting the harvested crop in a safe place.
During this time, the farmers have been asked to wash them thoroughly with soapy water, sanitation of crop rosemary and washing with soap and dry drying of burrows,” he added.