The Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA) is urging farmers to take proactive measures to safeguard their crops during heavy rainfall, which can negatively affect agricultural productivity.

Senior RADA Plant Health and Food Safety Officer, Francine Webb, has noted the importance of swift field assessments after severe weather.

“What you would do is to conduct a field inspection. Here, you’re checking for signs of disease, pest infestation and physical damage to the crops. You’re looking for symptoms like leaf spots, wilting or root rot, just to be able to get an understanding of what exactly is happening in your field,” she reported to JIS.

Drainage improvement is another critical step highlighted by RADA noting that clearing drains and trenches before the rainy season prevents waterlogging and expedites soil drying.

“Consider contouring or adding drainage channels to help manage water flow and prevent it from accumulating in your fields,” Webb advised.

Additionally, Webb recommended the use of fungicides to prevent diseases exacerbated by increased rainfall. “In anticipation of the rain, what you can do is apply preventative sprays for diseases. We don’t wait to see diseases; you protect your plants or plant parts and leaves with fungicides,” she said, citing copper-based fungicides as effective against common issues such as anthracnose and downy mildew.

Farmers seeking more guidance on plant health and disease management are encouraged to contact their local RADA office for expert assistance.