Gautam Buddh Nagar, April 6, 2026:
The District Agriculture Protection Officer of Gautam Buddh Nagar has issued an advisory for farmers regarding weed control and crop protection measures in major Zaid season crops. The advisory comes in view of fluctuating weather conditions, including variations in rainfall and temperature across several districts of Uttar Pradesh, which may increase the risk of seasonal pests and diseases in standing crops.
Officials stated that the major Zaid crops cultivated in the district include maize, sorghum, pearl millet, groundnut, urad, moong, and sugarcane. Farmers have been advised to adopt crop-specific preventive measures and recommended agricultural practices to protect their crops from weeds, pests, and diseases and ensure better productivity.
For maize, sorghum, and pearl millet crops, the advisory recommends weed management through the application of Atrazine 50% WP at the rate of 2 kilograms per hectare or Diuron WP at a dosage of 1.5 to 2 kilograms per hectare. Farmers have been instructed to mix the herbicide in 500 to 700 litres of water and spray it uniformly across the field for effective weed control.
In groundnut cultivation, farmers have been advised to spray Oxyfluorfen 23.5% EC within two days of sowing at the rate of 600 millilitres per hectare. Officials stated that timely application of this herbicide prevents germination of various types of weeds during the early growth stage of the crop.
The advisory further recommends the use of Imazethapyr 10% SL at the rate of 1000 millilitres per hectare mixed in 500 to 600 litres of water. The spray should be applied 10 to 15 days after sowing to effectively control both grassy and broadleaf weeds in groundnut fields.
For urad and moong crops, the Agriculture Department has advised farmers to use Imazethapyr 10% EC for the control of narrow-leaf and broadleaf weeds. The recommended dosage is 750 to 1000 millilitres per hectare mixed with 500 to 600 litres of water, to be sprayed approximately 10 days after sowing.
Officials also advised farmers cultivating urad and moong to remain vigilant against Yellow Mosaic Disease, which is a common viral disease affecting pulse crops. Farmers have been instructed to immediately uproot and destroy infected plants by burying them in soil to prevent further spread of the disease.
The advisory emphasized maintaining weed-free fields and bunds around agricultural land to reduce pest infestation and disease transmission. Farmers have also been encouraged to use sticky traps at the rate of six to eight traps per hectare to monitor and manage insect populations effectively.
For controlling whiteflies, which act as vectors for disease transmission in pulse crops, the department has recommended spraying Dimethoate 30% EC at the rate of one litre per hectare mixed in 500 to 600 litres of water. Officials suggested carrying out two to three sprays at intervals of 10 to 15 days depending on the severity of infestation.
Agriculture experts stated that timely weed management and pest control measures are essential during the Zaid season, as rising temperatures and intermittent rainfall can create favourable conditions for weed growth and pest attacks.
The District Agriculture Protection Officer urged farmers to follow the recommended guidelines carefully and consult agriculture department officials whenever required. Authorities stated that adopting scientific crop protection measures can help reduce crop losses and improve yield quality.
The advisory has been issued as part of ongoing efforts by the Agriculture Department to support farmers with timely information and technical guidance during the crop season
