Utilization Pattern of Weather Based Agro-advisory Services among the Farmers of Nellore District of Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

The success or failure of agricultural production is determined mainly by weather as it effect on every phase of crop growth, development and yield. Weather abnormalities during the crop season, would affect the crop growth and finally the quality and quantity of the yield. The advent of forecasting technologies and decision-making skills have not yet spread among small and marginal farmers who constitute major part of farming community in the country. Now a step further the Indian Council of agricultural Research (ICAR) and India Meteorological Department (IMD jointly planned to provide Agrometeorological Advisory Services (AAS) at block level in every district in both English and local language across the country for the benefit of farming community by setting up of District Agro-Meteorological Units (DAMUs) in the premises of KVKs to provide AAS to farmers. To understand the utilization pattern of the mobile AAS offered by the DAMU by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Nellore, Andhra Pradesh a survey was conducted. Sample size of 150 respondents was selected by employing proportionate random sampling method. The survey was carried out in terms of dimensions viz., technology adoption, information processing behaviour, information storage behaviour and information sharing behaviour. Results of the survey showed that nearly two-third of the respondents adopted Pest management practices and harvesting time information disseminated through agromet advisory system. Medium level of information processing behaviour was seen among the 66% of respondents, 48% of the respondents have medium information storage behaviour and around three-fourth (74%) of the respondents have medium level of information sharing behaviour.