Gramin Krishi Mausam Seva (GKMS)

Introduction

Agriculture in India is highly dependent on weather conditions, making accurate and timely weather forecasts essential for farmers. The Gramin Krishi Mausam Seva (GKMS) is a specialized agro-meteorological advisory service launched by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in collaboration with ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) and various agricultural universities. This initiative aims to provide localized weather forecasts, advisories, and early warnings to farmers, helping them make informed agricultural decisions and mitigate climate risks.

Objectives of Gramin Krishi Mausam Seva (GKMS)

The primary goal of GKMS is to assist farmers by providing timely weather-based agro-advisories to enhance agricultural productivity and reduce crop losses due to adverse climatic conditions. The key objectives include:

• Providing Accurate Weather Forecasts –
  • Delivering short, medium, and long-term weather predictions to farmers.
• Issuing Agro-Meteorological Advisories –
  • Offering crop-specific recommendations based on weather conditions.
• Reducing Crop Losses –
  • Helping farmers mitigate risks due to droughts, floods, unseasonal rains, and other extreme weather events.
• Promoting Sustainable Agriculture –
  • Encouraging the efficient use of water, fertilizers, and pesticides based on weather forecasts.
• Enhancing Rural Livelihoods –
  • Improving farm incomes by optimizing farming practices through weather-based decisions.

Key Features of GKMS

The Gramin Krishi Mausam Seva incorporates multiple features that make it a valuable resource for Indian farmers. The table below highlights some of its most important features:

Feature	Description	Benefits to Farmers
Weather Forecasts	Provides district-level weather forecasts (Rainfall, Temperature, Humidity, Wind Speed, etc.)	Helps in planning sowing, irrigation, and harvesting activities.
Agro-Meteorological Advisories	Custom advisories based on weather conditions for crop protection, pest control, irrigation, and fertilizer application.	Optimizes input usage and reduces production costs.
Early Warning System	Alerts on extreme weather conditions such as cyclones, droughts, and heavy rainfall.	Prevents crop damage and enables timely disaster preparedness.
Mobile & Digital Services	Information delivered via SMS, mobile apps, websites, and social media.	Ensures quick access to weather information, even in remote areas.
Gramin Krishi Mausam Kendras (GKMS Centers)	Regional centers providing real-time weather monitoring and advisory services.	Offers personalized support to farmers based on local conditions.
Collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)	Works with KVKs, ICAR institutes, and state agricultural departments for data collection and dissemination.	Ensures research-based, practical farming solutions.
Agro-Climatic Zone-Based Planning	Advisories customized for different agro-climatic zones in India.	Tailors recommendations to regional climate patterns and crops.
Data from Automatic Weather Stations (AWS)	Uses weather data from AWS, satellites, and radars for accurate forecasting.	Improves precision in predicting rainfall and temperature variations.

How GKMS Works ?

The Gramin Krishi Mausam Seva operates through a multi-step approach, ensuring that relevant weather-based advisories reach farmers in a timely manner. Here’s how the system works:

Step 1: Weather Data Collection

• Weather parameters such as temperature, humidity, rainfall, wind speed, and solar radiation are collected through Automatic Weather Stations (AWS), radars, satellites, and IMD observatories.
• Climate models are used to generate short-term (3-5 days), medium-term (10-15 days), and seasonal forecasts.

Step 2: Agro-Advisory Formulation

• Scientists at GKMS centers analyze weather forecasts and prepare region-specific agricultural advisories.
• Advisories are created in collaboration with ICAR, agricultural universities, and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs).
• The focus is on crop planning, pest control, fertilizer usage, irrigation scheduling, and extreme weather preparedness.

Step 3: Dissemination of Information

• The advisories are delivered to farmers through multiple channels, including:
  • SMS alerts via Kisan SMS Portal
  • Mobile apps such as Meghdoot and DAMINI
  • Websites like IMD and Agrimet
  • Radio and Television broadcasts (including AIR and DD Kisan)
  • Social media (WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, Twitter)
  • Village meetings and Farmer Fairs (organized by KVKs)

Step 4: Feedback and Improvements

• Farmers provide feedback on the usefulness of the advisories.
• GKMS scientists refine forecasts and advisory services based on real-time feedback and changing climate patterns.

Benefits of Gramin Krishi Mausam Seva

The GKMS initiative plays a crucial role in agricultural planning and risk management for Indian farmers. Some of its major benefits include:

• Improved Crop Planning –
  • Helps farmers choose the right sowing time based on weather forecasts.
• Efficient Resource Utilization –
  • Guides farmers on optimal irrigation, fertilizer, and pesticide use.
• Reduction in Losses Due to Weather Extremes –
  • Early warnings help protect crops from storms, floods, and droughts.
• Better Livestock Management –
  • Alerts about temperature changes and diseases affecting cattle and poultry.
• Enhanced Farmer Income –
  • Prevents unexpected losses, increases yield, and reduces production costs.
• Encouragement of Climate-Smart Agriculture –
  • Supports sustainable farming practices and water conservation.
• Empowerment of Rural Communities –
  • Farmers gain scientific knowledge, reducing dependency on traditional, less reliable methods.

Challenges in Implementing GKMS

Despite its numerous advantages, Gramin Krishi Mausam Seva faces several challenges:

1. Limited Digital Access
   • Many farmers lack smartphones and internet connectivity.
   • Poor mobile network coverage in remote areas.
2. Language Barriers and Accessibility Issues
   • Advisories not available in all regional languages.
   • Technical terms make it difficult for less-educated farmers to understand.
3. Accuracy of Localized Weather Forecasts
   • District/block-level forecasts may not always be precise.
   • Sudden weather changes reduce forecast reliability.
4. Delay in Dissemination of Advisories
   • Late delivery reduces the usefulness of advisories.
   • Farmers may miss critical windows for sowing, irrigation, or harvesting.
5. Low Awareness and Adoption Among Farmers
   • Many farmers are unaware of GKMS or its benefits.
   • Trust issues due to occasional incorrect forecasts.
6. Challenges in Last-Mile Delivery
   • Farmers in remote areas may not receive timely advisories.
   • Dependence on mobile-based advisories excludes non-digital users.
7. Integration with Farming Practices
   • Generic advisories may not always fit local crop and soil conditions.
   • Lack of customized solutions for different farming systems.
8. Lack of Coordination Between Agencies
   • Multiple agencies (IMD, ICAR, KVKs) operate independently.
   • Data-sharing and consistency in messaging need improvement.
9. Financial Constraints and Infrastructure Gaps
   • Limited funding for Automatic Weather Stations (AWS).
   • Inadequate resources for expanding GKMS coverage.
10. Limited Focus on Climate Change Adaptation
    • Short-term weather advisories do not address long-term climate risks.
    • Need for strategies on drought-resistant crops and climate-smart farming.

Challenges	Impact
Limited Digital Penetration	Many small farmers lack access to smartphones and internet services.
Language Barriers	Some advisories are not available in regional languages, limiting accessibility.
Accuracy of Localized Forecasts	While forecasting has improved, district/block-level predictions still face challenges.
Timely Dissemination	Delays in communication may reduce the effectiveness of advisories.
Farmer Awareness	Many farmers are not fully aware of how to use GKMS advisories effectively.

Future of GKMS and Way Forward

To enhance the effectiveness of Gramin Krishi Mausam Seva, the following steps can be taken:

• Expansion of Digital Services –
  • Promote mobile apps, WhatsApp groups, and AI-based chatbots.
• Hyperlocal Weather Forecasting –
  • Improve district/block-level forecasting accuracy.
• More Regional Language Support –
  • Ensure advisories reach all linguistic groups.
• Integration with Crop Insurance –
  • Connect GKMS advisories with PM Fasal Bima Yojana to minimize financial risks.
• AI & Big Data Utilization –
  • Use AI models to improve weather predictions and advisory personalization.

Conclusion

The Gramin Krishi Mausam Seva (GKMS) is a game-changer for Indian farmers, providing weather-based guidance to improve agricultural productivity and mitigate climate risks. While challenges exist, continuous advancements in technology and increased awareness can make GKMS an even more powerful tool for the farming community. With accurate forecasts, timely advisories, and improved accessibility, India’s agriculture sector can become more resilient, productive, and sustainable.