Patna: Experts at India Meteorological Department (IMD) are working on a plan that entails dissemination of weather related information among the farming community in such a manner that it helps in better management of farming related works.

The IMD, in collaboration with the Bihar Agriculture University, Sabour, has organised a training programme (April 23 to 27) in which the strategy will be discussed and conclusions will be arrived at the format in which relevant information should be disseminated among farmers. The event is being held on the university premises.

by making forecast-based advisories to help them in effective management of farming related activities."

International Research Institute on Climate and Society, USA and Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System, Thailand, have extended their support for organising the programme and helping the field personnel who would ultimately undertake the information sharing work with the farmers.

At present, IMD keeps coming up with weekly forecast for agriculture related works which are shared with agriculture universities and agro-meteorological observatories, which in turn, share the information with farmers by interpreting the inputs provided by the IMD.

As things stand now, around 15 lakh farmers are delivered the relevant information related to rainfall, wind, temperature and moisture which help farmers in planning things related to irrigation, crop variety selection, use of fertiliser and pesticides among others.

Now, efforts are being made to make this information friendlier for farmers and make them aware of the possibility of occurrence of weather related events which are mentioned in the forecast.

"We have invited people from Krishi Vigyan Kendras, agriculture universities, agriculture department and also from non-government organisations in which the participants would be trained about the nuances of agricultural-meteorology and also feedback would be taken on what steps should be taken to make the information most useful for farmers," Singh said.

To begin with, stakeholders from flood-prone East Champaran and Darbhanga and drought-prone Nawada and Jehanabad districts have been invited to take part.

The outcome of the event and experience gained from field work after the event would be used for replicating the system in other districts of Bihar as well as across the country, said the agricultural meteorological division national head.