Evaluating Farmer Responses to Agrometeorological Advisory Services in Kollam District, Kerala, India

Abstract

Agrometeorological Advisory Services (AAS) have emerged as an important means of helping farmers manage the challenges posed by climate variability and changing weather conditions. By providing timely, reliable, and location-specific weather information, these advisory services enable farmers to make informed decisions regarding various crop management practices. With the increasing occurrence of erratic rainfall, prolonged dry spells, floods, and other extreme weather events, effective weather-based agricultural advisories have become increasingly important. The present study was conducted to assess farmers' awareness of, access to, utilisation of, and satisfaction with Agrometeorological Advisory Services disseminated through the District Agrometeorological Unit (DAMU) in Kollam district, Kerala. A multistage random sampling technique was adopted, and primary data were collected in 2023 from 120 farmers representing different agroecological regions and farming systems using a pretested, structured interview schedule. The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistical tools, including frequency, percentage, cumulative scores, and ranking techniques. The results showed that mass media was the primary source of agrometeorological information for farmers, followed by extension personnel and personal local networks. Among the various communication platforms, WhatsApp was identified as the preferred medium for receiving weather-based advisories because of its ease of access, rapid dissemination, and convenience. The study further revealed that 85.83% of the respondents were aware of DAMU advisory services, and most farmers expressed satisfaction with the information provided. They reported that the advisories were particularly useful for planning irrigation, fertiliser application, pest and disease management, harvesting, and other crop protection measures. Farmers also appreciated the timely dissemination of localised weather information, which helped them respond more effectively to adverse weather conditions. Overall, the findings indicate that DAMU-based Agrometeorological Advisory Services have strengthened farmers' decision-making and supported the adoption of climate-resilient agricultural practices in the study area. Further improvements in ICT-enabled dissemination, location-specific weather forecasting, and farmer participation would improve the effectiveness and accessibility of agrometeorological advisory services and promote their wider adoption