Potato Crops at Risk from Frost in Palamu: Farmers Urged to Take Action

• Palamu district experiences continuous cold, with minimum temperatures dropping to 4.9 degrees Celsius, raising concerns for potato farmers.
• Agricultural expert Dr. Pramod Kumar warns that temperatures below 5 degrees Celsius cause frost, leading to black/scorched leaves and stunted tuber growth.
• Light irrigation in the evening is recommended to maintain soil moisture and balance temperature, as dry soil increases frost risk.
• Creating smoke by burning crop residue or cow dung cakes on field boundaries can also help raise ambient temperature and protect crops.
• Farmers should monitor fields, provide balanced nutrients, and take timely measures to protect potato crops during the crucial tuber development stage.

Why It Matters: Falling temperatures threaten Palamu's potato crops; farmers must use irrigation and smoke to prevent frost damage.