DISTRICT AGRO-METEOROLOGY UNITS (DAMUS) (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Agriculture)

Context: India Meteorological Department (IMD) is planning to revive District Agro-Meteorology Units (DAMUs) under the Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa (GKMS) scheme.

District Agro-Meteorology Units (DAMUs)

• Established in: 2018
• Collaboration with: Indian Council of Agricultural Research
• Objective: The aim was to use weather data to prepare and disseminate sub-district level agricultural advisories.

oIn March, DAMUs were shut down following an order issued by the IMD.Importance of Agro-Metrological Units

• Around 80% of Indian farmers are small and marginal, primarily depending on rain-fed agriculture, making them vulnerable to weather changes.
• Climate change has increased weather variability, altering monsoon patterns, leading to extended dry and wet spells, which directly affect crop yields.
• Agro-met advisories provide crucial weather information such as changes in monsoon onset and withdrawal dates, helping farmers adjust their farming activities accordingly.
• District Agro-Met Units (DAMUs) are housed in Krishi Vigyan Kendras, where scientists and researchers trained in meteorology and agriculture provide weather-based agricultural support.
• DAMUs utilize weather data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on factors like rainfall, temperature, and wind speed to develop tailored advisories for farmers.

Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa (GKMS) Scheme

• Under: Ministry of Earth Sciences.
• Objective: The primary aim of the scheme is to provide accurate, crop-specific advisories to farmers.
• Implementing Agencies: The scheme is implemented by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in collaboration with State Agricultural Universities, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, and other bodies.
• Focus: The scheme delivers crop and location-specific, weather-based agro advisories to support the farming community.