IMD plans to revive DAMUs under the Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa (GKMS) scheme.
199 DAMUs were established in 2018 in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
DAMUs provided sub-district level agricultural advisories using weather data.
DAMUs were shut down in March 2024 by an order from the IMD.
Importance of Agro-Met Units:
80% of Indian farmers are small and marginal, relying on rain-fed agriculture.
Agriculture is affected by climate change, including changes in monsoon patterns, dry and wet spells.
DAMUs were based in Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and staffed by meteorology and agriculture experts.
They used IMD-provided weather data to create advisories on sowing, harvesting, fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation.
Advisories were delivered free-of-cost in local languages via SMS, WhatsApp, newspapers, and in-person communication.
These advisories helped farmers plan for weather events and served as early warnings for extreme events like droughts and heavy rainfall.
Reasons for DAMU Shutdown:
NITI Aayog misrepresented the role of DAMUs and pushed for privatisation.
NITI Aayog claimed agro-met data was automated, undermining the role of DAMU staff who prepared block-level advisories.
NITI Aayog sought to monetise agro-met services, previously provided free to farmers.
Experts believe shutting down DAMUs was unwise, as the GKMS scheme should have been strengthened to meet farmers' needs.
Agrometeorologists and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari voiced concerns and sought the continuation of DAMU services.
Role of Private Players:
A few private companies offer weather advisory services but raise concerns about affordability for small farmers.
Private companies charge high fees for subscriptions, making services expensive for small farmers.
Rates range from ₹10,000 per crop annually to ₹60,000-80,000 for downscaled farm-level advisories.
Concerns about bias in private advisories, particularly in recommendations for fertilizers and pesticides, which could favor specific brands.
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