Agro-Meteorological (Agro-Met) Units
Why in News?
On April 1, 2026, the Ministry of Earth Sciences clarified that while District Agro-Meteorology Units (DAMUs) are being re-evaluated, agromet services will continue through the established network of 130 Agrometeorological Field Units (AMFUs).
Key Information
- Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa (GKMS): This is the umbrella scheme under which Agro-Met units operate to provide weather-based bulletins to farmers.
- Types of Units:
- Agrometeorological Field Units (AMFUs): Larger units located at State Agricultural Universities and ICAR institutes, typically covering 4–5 districts each.
- District Agro-Meteorology Units (DAMUs): Smaller units established at Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) to provide highly localized, block-level advisories.
- Core Function: These units prepare bi-weekly bulletins (every Tuesday and Friday) in local languages. They advise farmers on:
- Sowing & Harvesting: Best times based on rainfall and temperature forecasts.
- Irrigation: Scheduling based on soil moisture and predicted dry spells.
- Pest Management: Preventive measures against diseases that thrive in specific weather conditions.
- Economic Impact: Studies by the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) showed that farmers following these advisories saw an average income increase of ₹12,500 per household per annum.
- Digital Dissemination: Information is shared through platforms like the Meghdoot App, Mausam App, and the Kisan Portal.
- Panchayat-level Forecasting: A recent 2026 expansion includes the launch of weather forecasts for nearly all Gram Panchayats in India via the e-GramSwaraj and Mausamgram platforms.
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