Press Information Bureau

India Meteorological Department (IMD) is providing weather forecasts to farmers from all the States. Under the Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa (GKMS) scheme, IMD provides medium-range weather forecasts for rainfall, temperature, relative humidity, cloud cover, wind speed, and wind direction at district and block levels for the next five days, along with the subsequent week’s rainfall and temperature outlook at the meteorological sub-division level. In addition based on the observed weather information and forecasts, 130 Agromet Field Units (AMFUs) operational across 127 agroclimatic zones of the country prepare Agromet Advisories twice a week (every Tuesday and Friday) in English and regional languages for their respective districts, and communicate with farmers to help them make appropriate decisions for day-to-day agricultural operations. Impact-based forecast (IBFs) and appropriate advisories for agriculture are also being prepared by AMFUs based on the severe weather warnings for different districts of various States and UTs across the country issued by the National Weather Forecasting Centre (NWFC), New Delhi, and Regional Meteorolgoical Centeres and State level Meteorological Centres (MCs) of IMD.

Using Social media in Farmer's Welfare

To provide weather updates and early warnings directly to farmers’ mobile phones, weather forecasts and Agromet Advisories are disseminated through real-time mechanisms or multichannel dissemination systems, including print and electronic media, Doordarshan, internet, and SMS under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiatives. Under the PPP mode, about 6.16 million farmers are benefiting from weather forecasts, alerts, and Agromet Advisories. SMS-based alerts and warnings, along with suitable remedial measures, are being sent during extreme weather events such as cyclones, deep depressions, etc., through the Kisan Portal. Technological advancements have further enhanced accessibility, enabling farmers to receive location-specific forecasts and advisories through mobile apps such as ‘Meghdoot’ and ‘Mausam’, and social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, etc. Additionally, IMD has integrated its services with the IT platforms of 21 State Governments, and about 15.6 million farmers are accessing information in English and regional languages on these State Government IT platforms.

To ensure localised relevance and last-mile connectivity of weather updates in remote and vulnerable regions, IMD, in collaboration with the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR), has recently launched Panchayat-level weather forecasts covering nearly all Gram Panchayats in India. These forecasts are accessible through digital platforms such as e-Gramswaraj (https://egramswaraj.gov.in), Meri Panchayat app, e-Manchitra of MoPR, and Mausamgram of IMD, MoES (https://mausamgram.imd.gov.in). The main aims and objectives of Gram Panchayat Level Weather Forecasting (GPLWF) are to provide weather forecasts up to Gram Panchayat Levels, covering critical parameters such as temperature, rainfall, humidity, wind, and cloud conditions-essential data that farmers need for informed decision-making regarding sowing, harvesting, and irrigation. The platform is making weather forecast information accessible anytime and anywhere at the panchayat level across the country. This weather information reaches a larger number of people through Pashu Sakhis and Krishi Sakhis under the Ministries of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development.

This information was submitted by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh in Loksabha on 4^th February 2026.

********

NKR/JP 

(Release ID: 2223075) Visitor Counter : 66