Mokokchung, October 24 (MExN): A Farmers’ awareness programme on ‘Agromet Advisory Services in the wake of Climate Change’ was organized at Yimchalu Village by the District Agromet Unit (DAMU), Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Mokokchung to commemorate ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ with the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Ministry of Earth Sciences on October 23.
Dr Keviletsü Khate, Senior Scientist & Head, KVK Mokokchung addressed the gathering and highlighted the establishment of DAMU under Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa of IMD at KVK Mokokchung in 2019 thereby, rendering the Agromet Services to the farming community of Mokokchung district. He emphasized on the importance of Agrometeorology as agriculture is dependent on weather patterns and in context to climate change, there is a need to upgrade the conventional way of farming, he observed.
In this regard, he encouraged the farmers to avail the Agromet Services to boost their agricultural production by taking advantage of favorable weather and to minimize the adverse impact of extreme weather events.
Dr Ruopfuselhou Kehie, Assistant Chief Technical Officer (Plant Protection) spoke about the consequence of climate change on the dynamics of pests and diseases. As the weather pattern changes, there is chance of new invasive insect species otherwise, it can be a driving force in the spread of pests and diseases, he said.
He further urged the participants to be vigilant and report in case of any new causality on crops due to pest and diseases. Hands-on deliberation on Agromet Services of DAMU was given by Ningshiyangerla Walling, SMS (Agrometeorology). She covered various aspects on biweekly District and Block Level Agromet Advisory Bulletin, Kisan Mobile Advisory Services (KMAS) through SMS alert or through WhatsApp groups, biweekly broadcast of weather forecast and Agromet Advisory through AIR Mokokchung in local dialect, application of weather forecast applications and advisory in performing agricultural operations, feedback for improvement and effective dissemination. She also delivered a demonstration on Meghdoot mobile application for Agromet Advisory.
A folder on 'Meghdoot: A mobile app' to assist farmers for weather based farm management was released and distributed to the participants. Altogether 29 farmers were put forward for KMAS database.
