CropLife India Urges Urgent Zaid Action Amid Rabi Losses and Weak Monsoon Outlook

Following significant Rabi crop losses from unseasonal hailstorms and a weak monsoon outlook, CropLife India has issued a critical Zaid crop advisory. Farmers are urged to implement timely sowing, use heat-tolerant varieties, maintain irrigation, and adopt science-based crop protection, including careful sourcing of inputs. These measures are crucial to stabilize farm incomes and mitigate risks from rising costs and uncertain weather, acting as a vital financial buffer before the Kharif season.

Farmers across several states are grappling with significant Rabi crop losses due to unseasonal hailstorms, creating immense pressure as they enter the Zaid season. Compounding this, global supply chain disruptions have increased input costs for crop protection products, with farmers seeing no immediate relief despite government waivers. Furthermore, private forecaster Skymet predicts a below-normal monsoon with a high probability of drought, while NOAA forecasts El Niño conditions, making successful Zaid crops crucial as a financial buffer before the Kharif season.In response, CropLife India has issued a Zaid Crop Advisory, stressing the need for immediate and strategic action. Key recommendations include timely sowing to maximize yields, adopting heat-tolerant crop varieties, and maintaining irrigation every five to seven days. Farmers should also use mulch to conserve soil moisture, regularly monitor for pests like red spider mites and aphids, and apply crop protection products based on actual need, strictly following label directions and Good Agricultural Practices. The advisory emphasizes vigilance against counterfeit products, urging farmers to purchase inputs only from licensed dealers and verify authenticity, especially during this critical period where ineffective applications can lead to complete crop loss. Specific guidance is provided for short-duration summer crops like watermelon, moong dal, and fodder maize, alongside suggestions for mechanization and intercropping with legumes to improve soil health. CropLife India reaffirms its commitment to supporting farmers through these advisories, aiming to help them navigate challenges and safeguard their incomes.