Utility and Impact of Agromet Advisory Services among Farmers in Mandya District, Karnataka

Abstract

Weather is one of the foremost factors affecting the agriculture production and crop productivity. The effective weather information and advisory services to the farmers aid in decision-making of day-to-day agricultural operations right from the selection of crops to post harvest in order to avoid crop losses. Total 105 AAS bulletins were prepared and disseminated to the farmers in 2021 by District Agromet Unit (DAMU) established at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, V C farm, Mandya. A random sample survey was conducted for 175 farmers (25 per block) in 2021 to assess the effectiveness, impact and usefulness of Agromet Advisory Services from each block in Mandya District, Karnataka and analyzed the data using the Dynamic Feedback System of IMD. The study revealed that 48 percent of farmers preferred weather forecast before going for fertilizer application, 65 percent for spraying operations and 75 percent for harvesting operations.  A total of 69 percent farmers were satisfied, 18 percent were partially satisfied and 13 percent were not satisfied with the advisory. The study indicated that the farmers focused more on the weather forecast for spraying & harvesting operations compared to other activities of farming.