Realising that predicting the southwest monsoon is not enough by itself, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) is now pushing for agromet advisories so that a contingency plan can be put in place for various sectors, particularly agriculture.

Dr LS Rathore, director general, IMD, said his department is in the process of developing a medium-range (five-day period) agromet advisory service for farmers at the block level in a phased manner.

The project, part of the 12th five-year plan, covers 270 districts across the country after successful pilots in Maharashtra, Bihar, Punjab and Haryana, he said. At present, there are 130 field units that are operating at district level and soon this will come down to block level, he said.

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