The Government of India is taking steps to revive the District Agrometeorological Units (DAMUs). These units provided vital weather-related information to farmers but were recently closed by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This decision has raised concerns among agricultural stakeholders and farmers who relied on these services. The Ministry of Earth Sciences is now advocating for a permanent structure to support the work of DAMUs.
Background of District Agrometeorological Units
DAMUs were established to deliver block-level weather forecasts to farmers. They aimed to help farmers make informed decisions regarding their crops. The initiative was part of the Gramin Krishi Mausam Seva (GMSV) programme launched in 2015. Over the years, 130 Agromet Field Units (AMFUs) were set up, further extended by the establishment of 530 DAMUs in 2018. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, only 199 DAMUs became operational.
Role of DAMUs
The primary function of DAMUs is to analyse weather conditions and advise farmers accordingly. Agricultural meteorologists assess how weather impacts crops, providing timely information to enhance farming practices. This has been crucial for farmers, especially in adapting to climate variability and reducing crop losses.
Recent Developments
In early 2023, concerns arose regarding the closure of DAMUs. The IMD directed their winding up, citing a need for a reevaluation of their necessity. This decision faced backlash from politicians and agricultural associations. They argued that DAMUs play a critical role in supporting farmers, particularly in adverse weather conditions.
Government’s Response
The Ministry of Earth Sciences is pushing for a solid framework to formalise the operations of DAMUs. Officials have indicated that the previous ad-hoc nature of the units hampered their effectiveness. There are plans to ensure that DAMUs have a mix of permanent and contractual staff to improve service delivery.
Impact on Farmers
Farmers have expressed their reliance on DAMUs for crucial agromet advisories. These advisories have been instrumental in enhancing their resilience against climate impacts. By providing timely information, DAMUs help reduce losses and claims under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, a government scheme for crop insurance.
Future Prospects
The government aims to establish a permanent structure for DAMUs to ensure continuity in services. This includes addressing financial concerns and improving the quality of forecasts. The collaboration between the Ministry of Earth Sciences and the Agriculture Ministry will be vital for the success of this initiative.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the role of agrometeorological units in enhancing agricultural resilience in India.
- What is the significance of the Gramin Krishi Mausam Seva programme? How does it support farmers?
- Estimate the impact of climate change on agricultural practices in India. Provide suitable examples.
- Point out the challenges faced by the Government of India in implementing agricultural advisory services. What measures can be taken to overcome them?
Answer Hints:
1. Critically analyse the role of agrometeorological units in enhancing agricultural resilience in India.
- DAMUs provide timely weather forecasts, enabling farmers to make informed decisions.
- They analyze weather impacts on crops, helping to minimize losses due to adverse conditions.
- Agrometeorological advisories enhance farmers’ resilience to climate variability and extreme weather events.
- Collaboration with local agricultural bodies ensures relevant and localized information dissemination.
- Improved forecasting can lead to better crop management and increased agricultural productivity.
2. What is the significance of the Gramin Krishi Mausam Seva programme? How does it support farmers?
- GMSV was launched to provide location-specific weather advisories to farmers, aiding in crop planning.
- It helps farmers mitigate risks associated with weather variability, thereby reducing crop losses.
- The programme encourages a better understanding of climate impacts on agriculture.
- By integrating with DAMUs, it enhances the reach and effectiveness of agricultural advisories.
- GMSV promotes sustainable agricultural practices through informed decision-making based on weather data.
3. Estimate the impact of climate change on agricultural practices in India. Provide suitable examples.
- Climate change leads to altered rainfall patterns, affecting crop yields and planting schedules.
- Increased temperatures can exacerbate water scarcity, impacting irrigation and crop health.
- Examples include reduced wheat yields in Punjab due to heat stress and erratic monsoon patterns affecting rice production in eastern India.
- Farmers are forced to adapt by changing crop varieties or shifting planting dates to cope with new climate realities.
- Climate change increases pest and disease prevalence, further challenging agricultural sustainability.
4. Point out the challenges faced by the Government of India in implementing agricultural advisory services. What measures can be taken to overcome them?
- Financial constraints hinder the establishment and maintenance of advisory units like DAMUs.
- Lack of trained personnel affects the quality and reliability of agricultural advisories.
- Ad-hoc operational structures lead to inefficiencies and inconsistent service delivery.
- Measures include securing dedicated funding, enhancing training programs for staff, and creating a permanent framework for operations.
- Strengthening partnerships with local agricultural institutions can improve outreach and effectiveness of advisory services.
