Amid COVID-19 crisis, jute farmers of West Bengal and other jute-growing states have done a commendable work by sowing the crop in more than 90 per cent of their areas. In some states, 15 to 20 per cent more sowing area is anticipated despite lockdown and restrictions. All this was possible by the efforts of ICAR-CRIJAF, Barrackpore who issued regular agro-advisory, constant monitoring on availability of seeds, implements and other agro-inputs to the farmers and other stakeholders.
Farmers are worried about the infestation of pests and diseases on jute due to the rainy weather. At present, the jute crops in the farmers’ fields of different parts of the state is almost 20-50 days old depending on the sowing time. Due to the heavy rain in some pockets of Bengal and adjoining states, the jute fields have been waterlogged. Under such changing weather conditions, the crop now needs infestation, said ICAR-CRIJAF director, Dr Gouranga Kar.
He added that the institute is issuing weekly agro-advisory on priority to outreach farmers and extension personnel of state governments through different digital platforms. He also said that around seven lakh farmers of different jute-growing states are getting benefitted every week through their agro-advisory.
Under rainy and waterlogged situation, he advised that the farmers should drain out the water immediately. After a few days there may be incidence of seedling blight and damping off. If such condition arises, some common fungicides like mancozeb (1g/l) or carbendazim (4g/l) may be sprayed once the field is drained out and dried up.
The damage of Indigo caterpillar has been reported from many farmers’ fields, said Dr Satpathy, head division of Crop Protection, ICAR-CRIJAF. The insect usually becomes more problematic in jute fields, in which cabbage, cauliflower, potato, etc, were grown as the previous crop. In case of heavy damage, the farmers should go for the spraying of chlorpyriphos 20EC (2 ml/l).
In grown up jute plants of 30-50 days, grey colour weevils with dark white spots and elongated heads are visible on the growing foliage. Heavy defoliation weakens the plant and adversely affects the growth. In case of considerable damage, foliar spray of chlorpyriphos 50EC+cypermethrin 5EC combination (1-1.5 ml/l) or chlorpyriphos 20EC (2ml/l) or quinalphos 25 EC (1.25 ml/l) may be done.
Generally, after moderate rainfall, the yellow mite infestation in jute goes down. But chances are that just after rain, once the weather is clear and there is abundant sunshine and the temperature is high, the mite infestation gradually increases. Maintain adequate soil moisture to reduce the damage symptom caused by mite infestation. In case of rain, wait for at least five to six days to initiate the acaricide spray if symptoms persist.
Dr Kar also said that it is advised to always use protective clothing, gloves and mask to avoid the drift of the insecticide. While conducting any type of intercultural operation, like pesticide spray, the farmers are advised to maintain social distancing and take all other preventive measures as per the advisory to check the spread of COVID-19.