How do I plan farm operations during a forecast dry spell in the monsoon?

During a forecast dry spell, give protective irrigation if you have any water, conserve soil moisture with mulch and weeding, and reduce stress on the crop until the rain returns. A monsoon break can hit the crop hard at flowering or grain filling, so when the forecast warns of a long dry gap, act early. If you have any irrigation source, even a single protective watering at the sensitive stage saves a lot of yield. Mulch the soil and remove weeds, because weeds steal the little moisture left. Avoid top dressing fertiliser on dry soil, as the crop cannot use it and it can scorch roots. For very dry conditions, recommended spraying of potassium or anti transpirants can help some crops hold on, so check with your KVK. Do not waste the little stored soil moisture on unnecessary operations. Watch the forecast for when rain is likely to return so you can plan the next steps, and follow your KVK advisory which gives crop specific guidance for the break.