Equipping farmers adopting climate change through agromet advisory services of district agro-meteorological units in Western India

An overview of the Agromet Advisory Services (AAS) offered by the District Agro-Meteorological Unit (DAMU) Project in Western India is provided in the present study. It highlights the significance of these services in enhancing agricultural productivity, mitigating weather-related risks and empowering farmers with timely, actionable information. These services aim to equip farmers with weather-based insights to optimize their farming decisions, aligning them with changing weather patterns and climatic conditions. The study outlines the key components of the AAS, including weather forecasting, generation of localized agro-advisories, capacity-building initiatives and collaborative partnerships. It emphasizes the utilization of meteorological data to create tailored weather forecasts encompassing crucial parameters such as rainfall, temperature, humidity, and wind patterns. Moreover, it highlights the dissemination of these forecasts through various accessible channels like SMS, mobile applications, radio broadcasts, and community engagements. The agro-advisories provide farmers with recommendations on crop selection, optimal planting and harvesting times, irrigation schedules, pest and disease management strategies, and post-harvest practices. In conclusion, the study highlights the pivotal role played by the DAMU Project’s AAS in Western India’s agriculture. It emphasizes their contribution towards sustainable farming practices, improved livelihoods for farmers and resilience-building in the face of climate change and weather uncertainties.