Cold Wave Threatens Rabi Crops: Scientists Advise Delaying Early Sowing

• Severe cold and dense fog in January raise concerns for Rabi crops, prompting urgent advice for farmers.
• Agricultural scientist Saon Chakravarti recommends postponing early sowing until February to protect crops from cold and frost damage.
• For wheat, only very late-sown varieties should be planted by January 15; irrigate every 20-25 days and spray potash.
• Potato and pea crops face high risk of late blight and powdery/downy mildew; timely fungicide application and irrigation are crucial.
• Protect tomato and chili from blight with fungicides, use neem-based pesticides, and shield young mango saplings from frost.

Why It Matters: Farmers must delay early sowing and take specific protective measures to safeguard Rabi crops from severe cold.