KRISHI VIGYAN KENDRAS TO HELP FARMERS REDUCE CROP DAMAGE BY UNTIMELY RAIN
LUCKNOW : Agricultural experts of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) across the state will assist the farmers in reducing the damage done to standing crops due to untimely rain and hailstorm. Hectares of standing crop of wheat, mustard and potato across the state have been affected because of the recent untimely rain prompting chief minister Yogi Adityanath to issue advisories to officials to provide relief to the affected farmers. BP Singh, in charge of one of such centres said, “We are making a list of damaged crops in our area. Based on the type of crop we will suggest measures through which farmers could reduce their losses. We will also assist them in getting relief from the government.” Around 200 such centers are spread across the state and each center would remain in touch with farmers of the region. “Several farmers have been contacting us about the damage done to their crops. We try to get more information about the kind and extent of damage by information and pictures provided by the farmers and suggest suitable relief measures. We also conduct field visits in villages worst affected by the rains,” Singh said. In Lucknow and nearby areas beside the usual cereals crop, the flowering of mango has also been affected by the hailstorm. Shailendra Rajan, director of Central Institute of Subtropical Horticulture (CISH) said, “Our institute and the KVK center are conducting farms visits in Malihabad, which is the biggest mango producing hub in Lucknow region. The farmers are worried about the losses and we are helping them to prevent further losses.” These centers, managed by Indian Council Agriculture Research (ICAR) under the ministry of agriculture, provide scientific advice to farmers.