Context: PTI reported that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) is planning to revive District Agro-Meteorology Units (DAMUs) under the Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa (GKMS) scheme.
Establishment and Purpose
- IMD set up 199 DAMUs in 2018 in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
- Aim: Use weather data to prepare and disseminate sub-district level agricultural advisories.
Functions of DAMUs
- Staffed by meteorologists and agricultural experts.
- Utilized IMD weather data (rainfall, temperature, wind speeds) to create advisories.
- Provided guidance on sowing, harvesting, fertilizer and pesticide use, and irrigation.
- Delivered advisories in local languages twice a week through text messages, WhatsApp groups, newspapers, and in-person communication.
- Offered early warnings for extreme weather events like droughts and heavy rainfall.
Impact on Farmers
- Benefitted small and marginal farmers, who represent around 80% of India’s farming community.
- Helped farmers plan agricultural activities and manage risks associated with climate variability and extreme weather.
- Contributed to building climate resilience among the farming community.
Closure of DAMUs
- Reasons for Shutdown
- NITI Aayog misrepresented DAMUs' role and sought privatisation.
- Claimed that agro-met data was automated, undermining the work of DAMU staff.
- Suggested monetisation of advisory services, contrary to the free-of-cost model.
- Reports indicated a lack of understanding about the role of DAMU staff and the benefits of the GKMS scheme.
- Reactions and Concerns
- February 2024: Gujarat-based Association of Agrometeorologists expressed deep concern about the shutdown, emphasizing DAMUs' role in climate resilience.
- Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also advocated for the continuation of DAMU services.
Private Sector Alternatives
- Current Landscape
- Few private players offer weather advisory services.
- Concerns about affordability for small and marginal farmers.
- Challenges with Private Services
- High costs: ₹10,000 per crop annually, with some subscriptions reaching ₹60,000-80,000.
- Potential biases in recommendations, such as preferences for certain brands of fertilizers and pesticides.
Way forward
- Revival Plans
- IMD is considering reviving DAMUs under the Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa (GKMS) scheme to continue supporting farmers effectively.