Vignan University-IMD deal to deliver farm-level weather advisories

Guntur: In a move aimed at helping farmers tackle changing weather patterns and climate-related risks, Vignan’s Foundation for Science, Technology and Research has partnered with the India Meteorological Department to develop advanced weather-based agricultural advisory services for the state.

Under the collaboration, Vignan University will use high-resolution weather and climate data provided by IMD to generate farm-level advisories that can help farmers make informed decisions on crop planning, irrigation management and climate risk mitigation. University in-charge vice-chancellor KV Krishna Kishore said the initiative would enable scientific forecasting and weather guidance at a highly localised level, improving support for the agriculture sector. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two institutions was exchanged in New Delhi on Thursday between Vignan University vice-chancellor Prof K V Krishna Kishore and IMD secretary Dr M Ravichandran.

Prof Krishna Kishore said the collaboration would combine meteorological science with agricultural research to provide practical solutions for farmers facing uncertainties due to erratic rainfall, rising temperatures and extreme weather events. He explained that high-resolution weather and climate change data at a 1-2 km grid level would be made accessible through APIs, allowing accurate and real-time advisory services for different farming zones.

He said the partnership would also focus on research and academic activities in meteorology, agrometeorology, climate change and disaster management. Faculty members, students and scientists from both institutions will participate in training programmes, collaborative research and academic exchange initiatives.

Vignan University vice-chairman and MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu said that the collaboration will strengthen climate extension activities and promote the use of modern technology and scientific tools in agriculture. “The initiative will also create opportunities for students to gain practical exposure in weather sciences, climate studies and disaster preparedness,” said Krishna Devarayalu. Deans and faculty members from various departments participated in the programme.