Now, IMD plans SMS advisory service for livestock, fisheries

Riding on the success of SMS service provided to crores of farmers across the country for better crop management, India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) Agromet plans to start a similar advisory service for those managing livestock, fisheries.

The department hopes to launch the integrated agromet advisory service, possibly the first such facility in the country, within a year.

Over 12 crore farmers in India are using the Kisan portal providing SMS service set up by Agromet. The service not only gives weather prediction, but agriculture experts provide advice for better crop management. It also issues disease alerts.

Speaking to dna, deputy director general of meteorology (agricultural meteorology) N Chattopadhyay said, “We have managed to reach out to crores of farmers through this facility. Now a venture is planned where we will be issuing advisory on livestock and fishery business.”
According to Chattopadhyay, the department is in the process of carrying out a sensitivity study with the help of experts who are related to livestock and fishery department.

“We will be providing weather prediction through this service and give tips on the best practices that can be followed to increase production,” he said.

The planned facility will give disease alerts and prevention measures regarding livestock and fisheries. It will also be giving forecast on temperature, rain, humidity level and guide farmers on how to maintain suitable temperature for livestock or fish and increase production.