District Agro-Meteorology Units:
Press Trust of India reported that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) is planning to revive District Agro-Meteorology Units (DAMUs) under the Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa (GKMS) scheme.
- These were established by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in 2018 in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
- The aim was to use weather data to prepare and disseminate sub-district-level agricultural advisories.
- The DAMUs were located within Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs).
- Scientists and researchers trained in meteorology and agriculture were recruited as DAMU staff.
- They used weather data provided by the IMD like rainfall, temperature and wind speeds to prepare agricultural advisories related to sowing and harvesting, usage of fertilizers and pesticides, irrigation, etc.
- These advisories were sent to millions of farmers across the country free of cost in local languages twice a week.
- They were shared via text messages, WhatsApp groups, newspapers and also through in-person communication from DAMU staff and KVK officers.
- These advisories provided weather information in advance, they helped farmers plan activities like irrigation.
- They also served as early warnings for extreme events like droughts and heavy rainfall.
- Many studies conducted over the years have stressed the benefits of agro-met advisories.
