Crop protection from cold: Solution of frost from the perspective of farmers

Crop protection from cold: Agriculture is the main basis of the Indian economy, and a large population of the country depends on farming. However, farming is constantly facing new challenges due to natural disasters and changing climate. One of these is the major problem, which emerges as a major crisis for farmers during the winter season. Pala not only damages crops, but also affects farmers’ hard work, income, and future plans. In this article, we will discuss the impact of the frost, their problems and its solutions from the point of view of the farmers.

Loss of farmers due to frost

Economic loss

– If the crop is destroyed by frost, farmers can get caught in the debt trap.

– Small farmers do not have the ability to invest in greenhouses or other techniques to avoid frost.

– Due to low yield in the market, crop prices may increase, but farmers are unable to take advantage of this increase as their crop has already deteriorated.

 Social and mental influence

– Farmers can take drastic steps like suicide when the crop is ruined.

– Social instability in villages may increase, as the frost affects the entire community.

– There is difficulty in meeting children’s education and family needs.

Major challenges of farmers during frost

1. Uncertainty of weather

It is difficult for small farmers to understand the change in weather accuracy and prepare accordingly.

– Most of the farmers in India still depend on traditional methods.

– Due to lack of weather information on the right and time, farmers are unable to prepare.

2. Lack of resources

– Many farmers do not have the necessary funds to adopt technical measures like mulching, greenhouse or heating.

– Lack of adequate water for irrigation also increases the effect of frost.

3. Government assistance and lack of policies

– Many times government schemes are either inadequate for problems like frost or their benefits do not reach the farmers at the right time.

– Publicity of insurance schemes is limited and claiming them can be a complex process.

How will farmers deal with frost? Easy remedy

Protecting crops from frost is a big responsibility for farmers. However, for this, farmers should also resort to modern techniques along with local and simple measures.

 1. Awareness and Training

– Farmers need to explain how to deal with the problem of frost.

– Farmers can be informed about the latest techniques by organizing training programs and workshops.

– By increasing awareness at community level, all farmers can jointly implement measures.

 2. Cheap and practical techniques

– Local measures:

 – Control the temperature by burning dry grass, straw, or leaves on the edges of the fields.

 – Cover plants with sacks or clothes.

– Collective Resource Uses:

 – Arrangement of irrigation and heating at the community level.

 – Creating a shared greenhouse for small farmers.

 3. Crop Diversification

– Choosing frost resistant crops is a practical option for farmers.

– Growing different types of crops can reduce the risk of damage.

– Example: Varieties of wheat which have high resistance to frost.

 4. Technical assistance

– Mobile apps and digital platforms:

 – Farmers should use apps that warning of weather information and frost.

 – Digital platforms can be used to connect with agricultural experts.

– To take advantage of government schemes:

 – Farmers can use frost insurance schemes and agricultural related subsidies.

Government and community role in protecting frost

Both the government and the community have an important role in protecting farmers from natural disasters like frost. The government should provide financial assistance to the farmers, so that they can use modern techniques and measures to deal with the influence of frost. It is very important to conduct awareness campaigns for weather forecasting and warning in rural areas, so that farmers can prepare on time. In addition, providing technical assistance to farmers by giving subsidies on frost resistant seeds and equipment should be the priority of the government. It is also necessary to make the crop insurance scheme simple and accessible, so that farmers feel safe to compensate for the harm caused by frost.

Community efforts can also be very effective in protecting the frost. Cooperation can be provided to each other by creating a collective organization of farmers. The effects of frost can be reduced by mass management of shared resources, such as water, greenhouses, and heating equipment at the village level. Crop losses can be compensated through community farming, which reduces the financial burden on the individual farmer. In this way, the joint efforts of the government and the community can effectively reduce the risk of frost.

 Successful Examples: Use of Community and Technical Measures

– Contribution of farmer organizations in Punjab and Haryana: Farmer organizations in these states have used collective greenhouse and fogging techniques, which has reduced the damage caused by frost.

– Traditional measures of Rajasthan: Farmers of Rajasthan have successfully cultivated in cold areas using traditional smoke technology and dry grass. 

– Digital innovation: Many farmers have ensured the safety of their crops by getting timely weather information through mobile apps.

Pala is not just a seasonal problem for farmers, but it is a major challenge for their hard work, livelihood and self -reliance. However, the impact of frost can be reduced through awareness, technological innovation, community efforts and government cooperation. By providing information and resources to the farmers at the right time, we can not only save their crops, but can also make their lives safe and prosperous. Deal dealing with the court is a common responsibility, and for this all the parties will have to work together.