Context: Recently, the first phase of India’s Atmospheric Research Testbed in Central India (ART-CI) was inaugurated at Silkheda in Sehore district, situated approximately 50 km northwest of Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh.

Atmospheric Research Testbed (ART)

• About: The ART is an open-field, focused observational and analytical research programme at Silkheda.
• Aim: To conduct ground-based observations of weather parameters like temperature, wind speeds, etc. and in-situ (on-site) observations of the transient synoptic systems
• Developed by: Ministry of Earth Sciences for Rs 125 crore, with operations managed by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune.
• Purpose: The ART serves as an open-field research program at Silkheda, focusing on observational and analytical research.
• Objectives: Conducts ground-based observations of weather parameters during the southwest monsoon season.

oAnalyzes transient synoptic systems like low-pressure areas and depressions in the Bay of Bengal.

Significance of an Atmospheric Research Testbed

• Agricultural Dependence on Monsoon: With 45% of India’s workforce in agriculture, understanding rainfall patterns is crucial.
• Monsoon accounts for 70% of the annual rainfall, vital for rain-fed agriculture.
• Monsoon Core Zone: MCZ, spanning central India, heavily relies on monsoon rains for cultivation.
• National Rainfall Correlation: Studies show a correlation between all-India rainfall and rainfall in central India.

oCentral India's rainfall data is vital for understanding and predicting overall monsoon patterns.