Lok Sabha Question No. 207 (STARRED), answered on 2024-12-10
Subject: Localized Weather Forecasts in Digital Manner
Ministry: PANCHAYATI RAJ
Asked by: Shri Shankar Lalwani, Shri Vijay Kumar Dubey

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PANCHAYATI RAJ

## LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 207

ANSWERED ON-10.12.2024

## LOCALIZED WEATHER FORECASTS IN DIGITALMANNER

## 207. SHRI SHANKAR LALWANI: SHRI VIJAY KUMAR DUBEY:

Will the Minister of PANCHAYATI RAJ be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has undertaken efforts to provide localized weather forecasting to farmers in a digital manner at Panchayat Level, if so, the details thereof, including the technologies and platforms used for dissemination;

(b) whether any assessment has been made to know the impact of localized weather forecasting in safeguarding agricultural livelihoods and enhancing rural preparedness against natural disasters, if so, the details thereof, State-wise particularly in the State of Uttar Pradesh and with specific reference to measures implemented in the Bhiwani-Mahendergarh Lok Sabha constituency;

(c) whether prior knowledge of weather conditions has contributed to boosting agricultural productivity across the country, if so, the details thereof;

(d) the steps taken by the Government to ensure equitable access to localized forecasting and weather advisory services for farmers in the Bhiwani-Mahendergarh Lok Sabha constituency and surrounding rural areas; and

(e) the steps taken by the Government to increase the rural preparedness for security of agricultural livelihood and against the natural calamities in Janjgir-Champa of Chhattisgarh?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF PANCHAYATI RAJ

## (SHRI RAJIV RANJAN SINGH ALIAS LALAN SINGH)

(a) to (e) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

## STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 207 TO BE ANSWERED ON 10.12.2024 REGARDING LOCALIZED WEATHER FORECASTS IN DIGITALMANNER

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

(a) to (c):Yes sir. Ministry of Panchayati Raj in collaboration with India Meteorological Department (IMD) has launched Panchayat-level weather forecasts for Gram Panchayats in India on 24 th October 2024. Some of the highlights are:

- i. The weather forecast at each Gram Panchayat aims at providing timely and localized weather information to nearly 2.5 lakh Panchayats. It provides Gram Panchayats with 5 days daily weather forecasting and provision to check hourly weather forecast. These updates cover parameters like temperature, rainfall, humidity, wind speed, wind direction, cloud cover, thereby empowering farmers to make informed decisions in agriculture.
- ii. The Panchayat level weather forecast information is accessible through digital platforms such as eGramSwaraj portal (https://egramswaraj.gov.in/), 'Gram Manchitra' portal (https://grammanchitra.gov.in/gm4MVC), and 'Meri Panchayat' Mobile Appof Ministry of Panchayati Rajand Mausamgram web portal of India Meteorological Department(https://mausamgram.imd.gov.in/).

Further, since the Panchayat level system of localized weather forecasting has been launched only on 24 th October 2024, it would be very early to assess its impact. However, impact assessment may be possible in future after completion of few agricultural cycles. However, it is expected that having advance information about weather conditions at the local level will help farmers to take necessary steps and precautions against weather uncertainties for better crop management and yield and to avoid natural disasters.

(d) & (e):The Panchayat level weather forecast information is accessible to all, including the farmers of Bhiwani-Mahendergarh Lok Sabha constituency through various digital platforms such as eGramSwaraj portal (https://egramswaraj.gov.in/), 'Gram Manchitra' portal (https://grammanchitra.gov.in/gm4MVC), and 'Meri Panchayat' Mobile App of Ministry of Panchayati Raj and Mausamgram web portal of India Meteorological Department (https://mausamgram.imd.gov.in/).Besides this, for the benefit of rural populace, IMD provides weather forecast facility through various information channels including print and electronic media as well as social media, digital platforms, mobile Apps, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, local farmer clubs, etc.The various steps taken by the Government are aimed at increasing security of agricultural livelihood and against natural calamities in the country including the district of Janjgir-Champa of Chhattisgarh.

***