Nghe An farmers protect spring rice from cold

(Baonghean.vn) - In order to prevent cold for newly sown spring rice, farmers in Quynh Luu (Nghe An) are implementing many measures.

During these cold rainy days, the temperature has dropped to 13 - 15 degrees Celsius, affecting the growth of spring rice seedlings. Therefore, after sowing the rice seedlings, Ms. Nguyen Thi Ha in Quynh Hau commune quickly brought equipment to the field to cover the entire rice seedlings.

Ms. Ha said that, based on long-term experience, when sowing spring rice seedlings, most farmers prepare plastic and bamboo to cover around the rice seedlings. The period of protection from the cold lasts about 15 - 20 days. At that time, the rice seedlings grow well, have high resistance, so the number of seedlings that die from the cold is reduced.

Farmers in Quynh Luu cover spring rice seedlings with plastic wrap to protect them from the cold. Photo: Viet Hung

According to the plan, in the 2018 spring crop, Quynh Luu strives to cultivate 12,900 hectares, of which 8,500 hectares are rice; focusing on the structure of key rice varieties such as: Thai Xuyen 111, Thuy Huong 308, Nhi Uu 986 and some pure rice varieties such as Thien Uu 8, Huong Thom 1.

Starting from December 20, many localities such as Quynh Hau, Quynh Thach, Quynh Doi... have started sowing rice; people have based on the crop calendar and growth period of each rice variety to do so.

To prevent cold weather from affecting the growth of rice seedlings, the district directed localities to propagate to people to apply the measure of covering 100% of the area with plastic to prevent cold and white-backed planthoppers that cause black-striped dwarf disease.

100% of the rice seedling area in Quynh Luu is covered with plastic. In addition to protecting against the cold, plastic covers also limit damage from rats, white-backed planthoppers and black-striped dwarf disease. Photo: Viet Hung

According to the recommendation of the District Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, during the time of covering the seedlings with plastic, if the outdoor temperature gradually increases > 15 degrees Celsius and there is sunlight at noon, it is necessary to open both ends of the plastic during the day to release water vapor and help the plants photosynthesize better. If the night is cold, continue to cover the plastic.

In addition, it is necessary to supplement the seedlings with a quantity of rotten manure, wood ash or a small amount of potassium and phosphorus to help the seedlings warm their feet and become stronger, better able to resist the cold. At the same time, the seedlings also need to be watered at a level of 2cm to keep them warm. Farmers absolutely must not apply urea or nitrogen-rich foliar fertilizers to the seedlings during these days./.

Viet Hung