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Cyclonic Storm Alert: Essential Tips for Tobacco Growers

 

Fig.1: Southwest Monsoon Prediction (Source:IMD)

Current Situation

A cyclonic circulation persists over South Tamil Nadu and adjoining Sri Lanka, moving eastwards. This system is expected to form a low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining regions of South Tamil Nadu and North Sri Lanka within the next 24-48 hours.

Forecast and Developments

Cyclonic Activity:

  • The low-pressure area is likely to intensify into a depression within the next 1-2 days.
  • It has the potential to strengthen into a cyclonic storm over the central Bay of Bengal.
  • The system may reach the northwest Bay of Bengal near the Odisha coast as a severe cyclonic storm in the next 4-5 days.
  • Projected landfall is between Srikakulam (Andhra Pradesh) and Ganga Sagar (West Bengal), near the central Odisha coast, likely as a severe or very severe cyclonic storm.

Fig.2: Cyclonic Circulation over Coastal Tamil Nadu (Source:Windy, ECMWF Forecast)

Rainfall:

  • South India: Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected over Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.
  • Eastern India: Odisha, Bihar, Gangetic West Bengal, and Jharkhand will receive light to moderate rainfall with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds (30-40 kmph) over the next 3-4 days.

Temperature:

  • Maximum temperatures of 40-42°C are expected in parts of Andhra Pradesh, potentially affecting the tobacco-growing regions. 

Specific Forecast for Andhra Pradesh 

  • There is a high likelihood of adverse weather conditions in Andhra Pradesh due to the approaching cyclonic storm.
  • Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected, particularly in the northern coastal districts including Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, and Visakhapatnam. 
  • Gusty winds with speeds of 40-50 kmph, potentially increasing as the storm approaches.

Warnings and Advisories for Farmers Growing Tobacco

Harvest and Storage:

  • Pre-harvest: If tobacco crops are nearing maturity, expedite the harvest process before heavy rains commence.
  • Post-harvest: Ensure that harvested tobacco is stored in a dry and secure place to prevent moisture damage. 

Field Management:

  • Drainage: Ensure that fields have adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can damage crops and reduce yield quality.
  • Support Structures: Secure any support structures in the fields to withstand strong winds. 

Soil Erosion Prevention:

  • Employ soil erosion control measures such as mulching or using cover crops to protect the topsoil from heavy rains.

Pesticide Application:

  • Delay the application of pesticides until after the heavy rainfall to avoid wash-off and ensure effective pest control.

 

 

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