The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, has issued an advisory to warn state farmers about the negative impacts of excessively high temperatures resulting in heatwave conditions on field crops and livestock, as the state continues to experience above-normal maximum temperatures for June.
PAU's Director of Extension Education, Dr. Ashok Kumar, warned of heat stress and increased water consumption. Sunburn might harm or even kill newly germinated plants, according to the advisory. The paddy nursery and tender leaves of a newly germinated cotton crop could be harmed. It may also impair vegetable crop development and flowering, as well as flower drop-in 'moong.'
As a result, regular crop monitoring is necessary to prevent heat and water stress. Crops should be irrigated on a need-to-basis from time to time. Hot weather is also detrimental to fruit crops, therefore proper protection is necessary. To reduce yield losses in orchards, notably mango, litchi, pear, and citrus fruits, proper moisture should be maintained through irrigation. Straw mulch can also assist small and delicate plants to cope with the heat.
In light of the heat, animals and pets also require attention. Keep the animals indoors with plenty of water and a nutritious diet to avoid heat stress and dehydration. Occasionally give the animals a shower to help them maintain their body temperature and avoid heat stress. Coolers and fans can also be provided for animals, particularly exotic-breed cows.
About Punjab Agricultural University (PAU)
The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) is a government-funded agricultural university in Punjab's Ludhiana district. In India, it is a state agricultural university. After Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, and Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneshwar, it is the country's third-oldest agricultural university, having been founded in 1962. On July 8, 1963, it was solemnly inaugurated by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India's then-Prime Minister.
In the 1960s, PAU was a leader in India's Green Revolution. It was bifurcated in 2005 when Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU) was established.
