Namakkal District Collector Durgamoorthi on Saturday (May 9) issued guidelines to protect horticulture crops from heatwave.

Horticultural crops, including mango, banana, coconut, tapioca, watermelon and tomatoes, are cultivated in 60,500 hectares. The guidelines were issued after the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) warned that there would be changes in climate due to El Nano this year.

The District Collector said farmers should follow drip irrigation and stock adequate seeds and fertiliser. Farmers should monitor mango, chili and cashew crops. The officials would explain and train the farmers on drought and heatwave management. Farmhands should avoid working between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. Farmers should avoid pouring water on land in the afternoon, the Collector added.

Harvest of crops that spoil fast should be done in the early hours. Water should be provided to the fruit crops first. Fences should be installed throughout May to protect mangoes from heatwave, she added.