Date:16/03/2004 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/03/16/stories/2004031600421700.htm

Back Rains in central Kerala

Our Bureau

RAIN or thundershowers occurred at isolated places in the State on March 12 and 14 in what is being widely perceived as the first few episodes of the eagerly awaited summer showers.

Dry weather prevailed on March 11 and 12, says the Agromet Advisory dated March 15 issued by the Met Office, Thiruvananthapuram.

Chief amounts of rainfall in mm for four days ending March 14 are:

March 12: Cherthala - 5.0

March 14: Kanjirappally - 24.6, Thodupuzha - 23.0 and Kochi Airport - 8.4.

Mean maximum temperature varied between 33 deg C and 38 deg C in various districts. The highest maximum of 38.8 deg C was recorded at Punalur on March 11.

The maximum was 4 deg above normal in Alappuzha on March 11 and 12, 3 deg above normal in Ernakulam on March 11 and 12, Kollam on March 11 and 14, Alappuzha on March 13 and in Thiruvananthapuram on March 14.

Forecast valid until March 17 spoke about rain or thundershowers at isolated places in all districts. Outlook for the two subsequent days did not indicate any significant change.

State and stage of crops: Sowing of paddy and pulses has more or less been completed. In the early sown areas, the crop has reached the seedling stage. In pepper, preparation of rooted cuttings for multiplication purposes is in progress.

Advisory for 3 days: Spraying of Quinalphos at 1.5 ml/litre of water has been recommended in cases of gall midge infestation.

A bout of leaf eating caterpillar may turn out to be severe in coconuts in case of which bio-control agents should be released to bring the situation under control.