Agromet Advisories to Mitigate the Effects of Aberrant Weather in Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

Weather is a pivotal factor in agricultural production, influencing crop growth, disease and pest occurrences, water and fertilizer needs, and the effectiveness of cultural and preventive measures. Extreme weather events can cause physiological stress, physical damage, soil erosion, and crop quality degradation. In India, agriculture's vulnerability to adverse weather is a significant concern, with natural disasters like floods, droughts, and cyclones leading to crop failure, food insecurity, and economic impacts. To mitigate these challenges, Agrometeorological Advisory Services (AAS) play a crucial role in providing farmers with weather-based advisories to manage agricultural risks. The Integrated Agro-Meteorological Advisory Service (IAAS), run by the Indian Ministry of Earth Sciences and the India Meteorological Department (IMD), offers district-level weather forecasts and agromet advisories to support farmers in adapting to weather fluctuations. These advisories cover various weather-related risks, including cold injury and frost, high temperatures, wind damage, hailstorms, and floods. Sample advisories suggest measures like irrigation for frost protection, mulching to reduce heat stress, and shelter belts to mitigate wind damage. Effective dissemination of advisories involves communication through electronic media, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (Agriculture Science Centres), and Kisan (Farmer) Call Centres. Thrust areas for enhancing AAS include improved scientific understanding, advanced monitoring and prediction of severe weather events, satellite-based communication technologies, and real-time forecasting. By integrating these strategies, farmers can better prepare for extreme weather and mitigate its impact on agriculture.