Minimizing Weather-Related Risks in Agriculture Through Agromet Advisory Services in India

The major factor influencing agriculture, the mainstay of majority of the Indian population, is climate. Both long-term climate change and intra-seasonal climate variability impact the decision-making of farmers. The provision of timely and accurate agromet advisories assumes great importance in this context. This chapter begins with weather-related agricultural risks and climate information needed by farmers in decision-making before and during the crop season. It then discusses the agromet advisory services (AAS)—history, development and present status in India. The dissemination and outreach programmes in the form of farmers’ awareness programmes are also included. It further explores the role of AAS in effective operational decision-making, improvement in crop production and economic impact assessment of AAS in India. The chapter ends with constraints, future challenges and opportunities for AAS in India.