Blog
Team Social Xleration, 28th September 2023
Weather forecasting is a critical element in today’s farming and is required by farmers for multifarious reasons for productive and remunerative agriculture. This is becoming more crucial in light of the persistent effects of climate changes that we are experiencing and extreme weather events such as intense bouts of rainfall over a short duration. Such factors pose serious concerns for farmers. Weather forecasting involves predicting the climatic conditions in the near future based on the location and time. This information enables farmers to be ready for the changes in temperatures, sunlight, and rainfall, and take corresponding actions for optimal farming. More specifically, it helps farmers in deciding the right time to apply fertilizers, and pesticides for pest control, assess days which are suitable and appropriate for working on the field, and plan their irrigation around the information.
Many organizations and ventures have taken cognizance of the urgent need and are offering weather forecasting services. In this context, the Government of India’s meteorological observations, weather forecasting, and seismology agency, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) runs an Agrometeorological Advisory Services (AAS), known as the Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa (GKMS) scheme to assist the farming community. Under this scheme, medium-range weather forecasts are produced at the district and block levels. 130 Agromet Field Units (AMFUs), which are located in various government institutions develop agrometeorological advisories based on these forecasts and relay them to the farmers on Tuesdays and Fridays. AAS aims to enhance crop production, and food security, and reduce crop damage by helping in developing weather-based crop and livestock management strategies.
District Agromet Units (DAMUs) are also being set up to execute district and block-level AAS. So far, 199 DAMUs have been developed at Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in partnership with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in the country. The AMFUs and DAMUs also produce Impact Based Forecasts for farming for various states and union territories using severe weather warnings. Additionally, under the GKMS, the IMD also monitors rainfall and weather anomalies and provides SMS-based alerts and warnings alongside appropriate remedial measures to farmers. This information is also shared with the State Department of Agriculture. Besides, agrometeorological advisories are shared using different mediums such as print and electronic media, mobile apps, and SMS alerts. Farmers can also avail of weather information relevant to their districts through apps like ‘Meghdoot’ and ‘Kisan Suvidha’ rolled out by the Ministry of Earth Sciences and Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, respectively.
It was also reported recently that the Union Government has developed a plan to establish weather stations under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). As per the plan, 1.75 lakh weather stations, one in every panchayat, will be in operation over the next two years and provide data linked to rainfall, temperature, humidity, wind, and frost.
In the case of private enterprise joining hands with a government agency, Indian Agritech company, Fasal, has developed synergies with IMD by signing a a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to provide weather forecasts to the farmers, The partnership involves research on precipitation forecasting, validation of weather forecasting models, and sharing learnings with farmers. As per the understanding, 23 radar stations of IMD and 600 Fasal-owned field-level precision farming devices are to be used to make these weather forecasts available. The collaboration encompasses the exchange of hourly short-range models for rainfall probability, rainfall amount, temperature, and humidity using historic Internet of Things (IoT) data and hourly forecast data, as well as precipitation nowcasting models.
Another company operational in the area of weather forecasting is Weather Risk Management Services (WRMS). An agriculture and dairy risk management company, it has come up with a network of low-cost 4,000 Automatic Weather Stations (AWS). Using these, it provides weather alert and forecast services, which are localized and reliable.
With the weather forecasting services market being predicted to grow by USD 1,092.95 million from 2022 to 2027, progressing at a CAGR of 9.93 period during the forecast period as per the global market research company, Technavio, many more players will jump on the bandwagon. This includes private weather forecast company, Skymet, which is planning to come up with a conversational product powered by Generative AI that will offer custom weather insights to farmers.
Since farming is a complex profession and requires a range of tools and inputs including timely weather forecasts, a rise in weather forecasting services is the need of the hour. This is particularly true in the current context of fast-changing climate patterns with high unpredictability that are being witnessed currently. This will ensure quick, and appropriate agricultural actions by the farmers to derive optimum farm gains. Moreover, this will ensure that the much talked about approach of smart farming, which requires accuracy and control related to crop production, will become a reality.