Crop Contingency Plan for Kashmir | 05 Mar 2025

Source: TH 

The Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) has devised a Crop Contingency Plan to tackle the drought-like conditions expected in Kashmir due to an 80% rainfall deficit in winter 2024.  

• Key Components of Crop Contingency Plan: 
  • Alternative Crop Promotion: Instead of water-intensive rice, SKUAST promotes drought-resistant maize hybrids (SMC-8, SMH-5) and pulses, which require less water. 
    • Recommends heat-tolerant crops like cowpea, which can withstand dry conditions. 
  • Water Conservation Strategies: 
    • Mulching: Covering topsoil with organic materials to retain moisture and improve soil health. 
    • Micro-Irrigation: Encourages drip irrigation and mist sprayers for optimal water use. 
      • Recommends micro-sprinkler systems and organic soil amendments to sustain vegetable farming. 
    • Anti-Transpirant Agents: Applying chemicals to reduce water loss from plants (Transpiration). 
  • Resilient Farming Practices: Recommends the use of growth regulator sprays to prevent early blooming and anti-transpirants in fruit crops to conserve moisture. 
  • Pest Control: Rising temperatures have made pests like aphids and leaf miner blotch more invasive. SKUAST is issuing advisories on chemical pest control measures.