The Hindu Business Line : Kerala: Monsoon brilliant in patches

THE southwest monsoon huffed and puffed its way across Kerala on its northward progression and was brilliant in patches as it delivered with a predominant bias to the detriment of the southern districts during the four days ending May 30, says the Agromet Bulletin issued by the Met Office, Thiruvananthapuram.

The system was active on May 27 and 30, and weak on the 28th and the 29th. Rain occurred at most places on May 30, at many places on the 27th and isolated places on the 28th and the 29th.

Chief amounts of rainfall in cm were:

May 27: Aryankavu -15; Mavelikkara - 10; Kottayam - eight; Kanjirappally - seven; Idukki, Thodupuzha, Tiruvalla and Konni - six each; Varkala and Haripad - five each; Kollengode - four and Kozhikode, Mannarkad, Ambalavayal, Kollam, Hosdurg, Punalur and Kumarakom - three each.

May 28: Hosdurg - 2.

May 30: Kannur - 13; Tiruvalla and Karipur Airport - seven each; Kozhikode and Kanjirappally - six each; Hosdurg - five and Aluva and Cochin International Airport - three each.

Mean relative humidity varied between 66 per cent and 90 per cent in various districts, mean cloud coverage between five and eight okta and mean wind speed, two and eight kmph.

Forecast valid until June 2 spoke about the occurrence of rain at a few places in all districts. Outlook for the two subsequent days did not indicate any significant change.

Stage and state of crops: Preparation of the main field, fertiliser application and transplanting operations are in progress in the paddy fields. In the case of the directly sown crop, first-time weeding and top dressing with fertilisers can be started with. In coconut, basins are being opened, fertilisers applied and new plantings taken up.

New planting, inter-culture operations and fertiliser application are being practised in arecanut, rubber, pepper, banana, tapioca and cardamom. Tapping of rubber also is in progress.

Agriculture advisory: Ploughing of the main field, fertiliser application, levelling and transplanting can be continued with in paddy. In the case of the directly sown crop, first weeding and top dressing can be commenced with.

New planting and top dressing with fertilisers can be practised in all crops what with the monsoon rains continuing.

One per cent Bordeaux mixture may be sprayed in coconut, arecanut and pepper gardens to bring leaf rot, `mahali' and quick wilt respectively under control.

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