Usability of extended range and seasonal weather forecast in Indian agriculture
Weather plays an important role in agricultural production. It plays a major role before and during the cropping season and if the same is provided well in advance, it results in inspiring the farmers to organize and activate their own resources in the best possible way to increase the crop production. At present, India Meteorological Department (IMD), Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) is rendering Agro-meteorological Advisory Services to help the farmers for efficient use of natural resources along with the aim of improving agricultural production by using the Medium Range Weather Forecast (MRWF). But, it becomes more and more important to provide climatological information blended with extended range and seasonal weather forecast before the start as well as during the cropping season in order to adapt the agricultural system to increase weather variability.