PARLIAMENT QUESTION: WEATHER-BASED AGRO-ADVISOR SERVICES

The Ministry of Earth Sciences, through the India Meteorological Department (IMD), has upgraded weather forecasting using high‑performance computing, AI‑enabled tools and a dense observation network (manual stations, AWS, ARG, Agro‑AWS, DWR, satellites). Under Mission Mausam, the Bharat Forecasting System (6 km resolution) provides Panchayat‑level forecasts, accessible via e‑Gramswaraj, Meri Panchayat, e‑Manchitra and Mausamgram. IMD’s Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa (GKMS), in partnership with 55 host institutes, operates 130 Agrometeorological Field Units across 127 agro‑climatic zones, issuing district‑specific agro‑meteorological advisories twice weekly and impact‑based forecasts up to seven days. Dissemination is through apps (MAUSAM, MEGHDOOT, DAMINI, UMANG), SMS, TV, radio and social media, with periodic surveys guiding service improvements.