The Agriculture Department has advised the maize farmers of Sendurai taluk to take immediate action to protect the crop which has been damaged by strong winds in the recent days.
A team of scientists from the Agriculture Department, led by N. Pannerselvam, Joint Director of Agriculture, visited various parts of Sendurai taluk on Wednesday and inspected the crops damaged by the recent rains and winds.
The team visited Ayan Thathanur, Mullaiyur, Irungalakurichi, Manakudaiyan and Periyakurichi villages and found that though the taluk registered moderate showers, the strong winds had played the spoilsport in the region. It found that the maize could be immediately saved by the application of simple crop protection technique.
Azhagukannan, Professor and Head of Creed Krishi Vigyan Kendra, said that the damage had come at a time when tillers were about to ripen. It could be compensated by the application of urea and potash. He suggested the application of micro nutrients. About 1,691 hectares had been brought under maize in this taluk which registered just 92 mm of rain so far.
The team later inspected paddy fields and oil seeds in the taluk. About 396 hectares had been brought under paddy. For the paddy crop under water, the team has suggested immediate application of urea, neem cake and potash. The team has advised the farmers to drain the rainwater stagnant in cotton fields for registering higher yield and for protecting any disease in cotton.

Source : The Hindu