Rising temperatures are becoming a serious problem for farmers. Heatwaves are not only hard on people and animals—they also affect plants. Crops exposed to too much heat can suffer from poor growth, low yield, or even complete failure. Understanding how to manage this problem is important for every farmer. This article shares practical and cost-friendly ways to help with mitigating heat stress on crops, especially during peak summer months.
Table of Contents
What Is Heat Stress in Crops?
Heat stress happens when temperatures go above the level that plants can handle for long periods. This affects the way plants grow, take in water, and make food through photosynthesis.
Read more: How Heatwaves Are Affecting Your Health
Common signs of heat stress:
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Wilting even when soil is moist
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Leaf burn or curling
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Poor flowering and fruit set
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Yellowing or drying of leaves
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Shorter growth cycles
When heat combines with low soil moisture, the problem gets worse. Some crops may stop growing completely or produce smaller, lower-quality harvests.
Which Crops Are Most Affected?
While all crops can suffer in extreme heat, some are more sensitive than others.
Crops at higher risk:
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Wheat and barley – Sensitive during flowering and grain filling
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Rice – High temperatures reduce seed setting
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Tomatoes and peppers – Fruit set drops in high heat
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Leafy greens – Wilt quickly under direct sunlight
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Pulses and legumes – Flower drop and pod failure
Practical Strategies for Mitigating Heat Stress on Crops
Farmers don’t always need expensive tools to deal with heat. Many solutions are based on timing, smart planning, and simple farming practices.
1. Adjust Planting Time
Changing the time of sowing can help crops grow during cooler parts of the season.
Example:
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Planting wheat earlier can help it avoid peak heat during flowering.
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Rice transplanted before peak summer may mature before extreme heat hits.
2. Use Shade Nets or Row Covers
Installing low-cost shade nets or cloth over rows of crops reduces direct sunlight and keeps temperatures lower around the plants.
Works well for:
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Vegetables
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Seedlings
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Nurseries
They can be reused for many seasons and are useful during the hottest parts of the day.
3. Improve Soil Moisture
Healthy soil holds more water and keeps the root zone cooler. You can do this by:
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Adding organic matter like compost or cow dung
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Using mulch (dry grass, straw, or leaves) to cover the soil surface
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Avoiding deep tillage during hot months
Mulching also helps stop water from evaporating too fast.
4. Apply Irrigation at the Right Time
Watering at the wrong time can cause stress instead of relief. The best times to irrigate are:
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Early morning (before 9 AM)
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Late evening (after 5 PM)
This reduces water loss and helps cool the plants. Avoid watering during the hottest part of the day.
5. Choose Heat-Tolerant Varieties
Many seed companies and research centers offer crop varieties that can handle higher temperatures. These varieties are designed to survive in hot conditions and give better yields even during heatwaves.
Check with:
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Local Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)
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State agriculture departments
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Certified seed providers
6. Use Crop Rotation
Rotating crops helps improve soil health and breaks disease cycles. It also gives farmers a chance to choose crops based on expected weather patterns.
Tip:
Follow a heat-sensitive crop with one that can handle warmer conditions or needs less water.
7. Spray Anti-Stress Solutions
Simple sprays can reduce heat stress and support the plant’s immune system. These include:
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Potassium silicate – Strengthens cell walls
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Seaweed extract – Improves stress resistance
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Micronutrient mix – Helps plants recover faster
Spray during cooler hours for better results. Always follow the correct dose mentioned on the label.
8. Adopt Mixed Cropping
Growing two or more crops on the same field spreads risk. If one crop suffers, the other may still do well. This method also improves soil health and reduces weed growth.
Example:
Planting legumes with cereals like maize or sorghum.
9. Practice Agroforestry or Border Planting
Planting trees or taller crops along the border of a field reduces wind speed and provides partial shade to nearby crops. This helps keep soil moist and lowers surrounding air temperatures.
10. Keep Field Records and Monitor Weather
Tracking previous seasons helps farmers plan better. Combine this with local weather alerts to make timely decisions.
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Use a simple diary to note crop performance and weather conditions
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Listen to daily farm bulletins or use apps that send alerts about heat or rain
Low-Cost Materials That Can Help Farmers
| Material | Use |
|---|---|
| Mulch (dry leaves) | Keeps soil cool and moist |
| Shade nets | Lowers heat around plants |
| Compost or manure | Boosts soil water retention |
| Neem cake | Protects roots and adds nutrients |
| Plastic sheets | Collects and stores rainwater |
| Sprayers | For foliar nutrition or stress relief |
Community and Government Support
Many state governments and agricultural bodies run schemes to help small and marginal farmers deal with extreme weather.
Farmers can:
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Contact their local Agriculture Officer
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Visit Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) for free guidance
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Apply for crop insurance under schemes like PMFBY (Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana)
There are also farmer helplines where you can ask for advice in your local language.
FAQs
Can I use sprinklers to cool down crops during a heatwave?
Yes, light sprinkler irrigation during early morning or evening hours can help reduce crop temperature.
Which vegetables are more heat-resistant?
Brinjal, okra, and gourds like pumpkin or bitter gourd can handle heat better than leafy greens.
Is mulching useful during summer?
Yes, mulch keeps soil cool, prevents water loss, and stops weed growth.
What is the best time to spray anti-stress foliar sprays?
Spray during early morning or late evening for best results.
Where can I get heat-tolerant seeds?
Check with your local agriculture department, certified dealers, or Krishi Vigyan Kendras.
Conclusion
Heatwaves are becoming more common, and crops are among the first to feel the impact. But with simple changes in farming methods, smart planning, and timely action, mitigating heat stress on crops is possible—even on a small budget.
By combining age-old wisdom with basic modern practices, farmers can protect their fields and keep food production stable, even in extreme weather.