In a strategic initiative to advance horticultural and agricultural practices, a sophisticated automatic weather station has been successfully implemented in South Kashmir's Kulgam district. This installation, part of the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), is operational at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in the Pombai area of Kulgam.
The primary objective behind the deployment of this weather station is to benefit the local farming community, as highlighted by KVK Pombai Kulgam Senior Scientist and Head, Manzoor Ahmad Ganai. He emphasized that the multifunctional weather station offers real-time updates on various critical factors such as wind direction, temperature, humidity, wind speed, soil temperature, soil moisture, solar radiation, solar intensity, and insights into pest activity.
Moreover, Ganai underscored the significance of the weather station in pest detection and its role in providing early warnings to farmers about potential threats to their environment. He also pointed out that registered members of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra receive valuable support in farming practices.
In terms of practical applications, Ganai discussed the importance of timely decisions facilitated by the weather station. For instance, farmers can schedule orchard sprays based on weather forecasts, preventing economic losses attributed to high costs and labor associated with pesticides. Additionally, he mentioned the potential risk of scab and fungal infections attacking orchards if sprays are washed away by rain.
Emphasizing that the weather station is a government initiative, Ganai encouraged people to take advantage of such developments. He noted that there are 29 HADP projects, and individuals should avail themselves of the benefits offered by these initiatives. In a previous demonstration, a sensor-equipped drone was showcased, automating the spraying of areas that require treatment.
