Palghar Heatwave Alert: Rising Temperatures Pose Challenges for Farmers & Livestock | Representational Image
Palghar, Maharashtra: Palghar district is expected to experience a significant increase in temperature over the next five days, according to forecasts from the Indian Meteorological Department and the Regional Meteorological Department, Mumbai. The Konkan division is predicted to see temperatures rise 3-4 degrees Celsius above the average, with the possibility of even higher temperatures.
Rizwana Syed, an agricultural meteorologist at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, District Agricultural Meteorological Center, Kosbad Hill, reports that maximum temperatures are expected to range between 36 to 38 degrees Celsius, while minimum temperatures will be between 20 to 22 degrees Celsius.
Furthermore, a warm and humid environment is indicated for Palghar district on February 26th. The combination of rising temperatures and decreasing humidity poses potential health risks to residents.
Agricultural Advisory:
Dr. Vilas Jadhav, Senior Scientist at the Agricultural Science Center Kosbad, advises farmers to take the following measures to maintain soil moisture during the anticipated heatwave:
. Water fruit orchards, vegetable gardens, and flower gardens as needed.
. Water crops during the cooler hours of the early morning or evening.
. Mulch around the base of plants with grass to reduce evapotranspiration.
. Provide shade for newly planted seedlings.
. Utilize drip or sprinkler irrigation if water is scarce.
. Protect vulnerable plants like mango, banana, and papaya by covering them with protective material.
Animal Husbandry Precautions:
. Special care should be taken for livestock during the heatwave:
. Provide animals with an ample supply of fresh, clean, and cool water.
. Pour cool water on animals in the afternoon to help regulate their body temperature.
. Hang gunny bags on the sides of animal sheds.
. Cover shed roofs with metal rods to provide shade and reduce heat absorption.
