Water logging an opportunity to conserve groundwater
K. Ramasamy
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor K. Ramasamy has been following monsoons closely. He has been reading about waterlogged streets and stranded people. He has also been keeping a track of trees that were uprooted, crops affected and rain water run off.
In a conversation with C.S. KOTTESWARAN, he cautions about rodent menace that is possible after flood waters recede and also shares tips on how to protect gardens, trees and crops during monsoon.
DC: Chennaiites have seen water logging across the city and the focus has been on how it has brought everything to a standstill in Tamil Nadu. You, however, view it differently. Please explain.
Ramasamy: Water logging should be seen as an opportunity to conserve groundwater so that the demand for irrigation and drinking water need is addressed. The agriculture department has created 75,000 farm ponds and more such ponds should be created. These ponds will help to extend farming activities by three months.
Q The heavy downpour has uprooted close to 800 trees in Chennai and thousands of trees are on the verge of uprooting. What is the remedy?
A: A Big trees should be pruned. In case of avenue trees in major cities, the branches should be pruned. Trees that are on the verge of collapsing should be made steady and additional soil should be deployed around the girth for stability.
Q Has the heavy rain that lashed Tamil Nadu affected crops badly ?
A: The damage is not that bad. Paddy can withstand floods. Only if there is water logging for more than 10 days, there is a loss for farmers.
Q How should food crops be protected during wet weather conditions?
A: There has to be a system to drain stagnant rainwater. If there is no oxygen penetration, the water should be removed earlier. Further, farmers should not add nutrients or pesticides during a deluge. As rainwater will naturally have more nutrients like nitrogen, fertilisers should be avoided. This will raise crop immunity preventing infections and disease that spread in farmlands.
Q A large quantity of stored pulses and cereals has been affected by moisture due to rain. Is there a way to reuse it?
A: Sunshine between 11 to 1 p.m. should be used to dry foodgrains. This will prevent infestation by insects.
Q Rodents and snakes stray during rainy days. One death has also been reported. What precautions should be taken?
A: In the current scenario, due to heavy rain the burrows of rodents and snakes will be filled with water. So they do stray. During this season, rats will not damage farmlands. Farmers should monitor the burrows. Phosphide mixture should be kept in the burrows as bait and already there is a statewide programme by agriculture department to control rodent menace. Farmers and city residents should approach the department seeking expertise.
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( Source : deccan chronicle )
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