Ranchi, April 8: Birsa Agricultural University (BAU), Ranchi, today suggested farmers to make the most of the sporadic showers lashing the state and raise the height of bunds (embankments) in their fields to retain rainwater that can be later used in harvest of kharif crops.

"We have begun advising farmers across the state to extract maximum advantage from the present spell of rain and prepare their fields in such a manner that will ensure maximum kharif yield later this year. The best way is to raise the height of the bunds by a few inches to retain rainwater in the fields as long as possible," D.N. Singh, chief scientist (rice), BAU, told The Telegraph.

Fortunately, a major portion of farmland in the state is lying unused at present. Most of the wheat crops have already been harvested and farmers are now waiting for monsoon, which is expected sometime in late June, before starting to sow paddy seeds.

Accumulation of rainwater at this time of the year will recharge the water table, Singh added.

"Farmers are also being advised to go for deep ploughing at least twice or thrice. Deep ploughing will uproot weeds and make the soil bare," the BAU chief scientist (rice) said.

He added that the current spell of rains and low temperatures were only temporary and the subsequent rise in day temperatures would not only help destroy the weeds but also kill pests that take shelter in the soil. "A pest- and disease- free farmland will ensure better paddy yield with reduced input costs as farmers will have to use less doses of insecticides and pesticides," Singh said.

Barring places like Lohardaga and Bokaro districts, where rain and hail have virtually destroyed the mango crop as the trees were in an advanced stage of flowering, the present spell of rain has been highly beneficial for farmers of other areas.

Standing crops of a variety of vegetables - cucumber, gourd and spinach - have been particularly fortunate as they got the needed moisture from the unseasonal showers.