Government to Revive District Agrometeorological Units to Aid Farmers

The government plans to revive district agrometeorological units (DAMUs) that provide weather-related information to farmers. Previously shut down on the IMD's directive, these units will be restructured with permanent staff to improve forecast quality. Several politicians opposed their closure, citing their importance in aiding agricultural decision-making.

The government is set to revive the network of district agrometeorological units (DAMUs), which previously provided essential weather-related information to farmers. Operations were halted following a directive from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) earlier this year.

Politicians, including Union minister Nitin Gadkari and Congress MP Jairam Ramesh, strongly opposed the shutdown, emphasizing the critical role that human intelligence plays in weather forecasting alongside advanced technologies. 'There will be a permanent structure in place this time, combining both permanent and contractual staff,' an official revealed.

Initially launched in 2015 under the Gramin Krishi Mausam Seva (GMSV) initiative, these units assist farmers with crop-specific advisories. Despite setbacks due to the Covid pandemic, which hindered the establishment of many DAMUs, the government aims to enhance the service's reach and reliability.

(With inputs from agencies.)