Farmers Get Mandal-Wise Weather Alerts as Telangana Unveils AI-Powered Service
HYDERABAD: Around 15 lakh farmers in Telangana will now receive mandal-specific weather updates through a new messaging service launched by the state government on Saturday.
Farmers to Receive Local Weather Alerts
The Telangana Weather Advisory will provide regular updates on rainfall, temperature, and weather conditions to farmers enrolled under the Rythu Bharosa scheme. As a result, farmers can plan agricultural activities more effectively and reduce weather-related risks.
First Advisory Focuses on Monsoon Arrival
The first test message focused on the expected arrival of the southwest monsoon. Titled “When will the rainy season begin?”, it informed farmers that the likelihood of the monsoon arriving before June 10 is low.
According to the advisory, there is only a 15 per cent chance that the rainy season will begin before June 10. However, the chances increase significantly after that date. Based on weather data available on May 28, the advisory estimated an 85 per cent probability of the monsoon setting in after June 10.
Government Aims to Support Farmers with Timely Information
While launching the service, Agriculture Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao said the initiative would deliver timely and accurate weather information to farmers across Telangana.
He said all 15 lakh Rythu Bharosa beneficiaries would receive these advisories. Furthermore, the service will help farmers make informed decisions based on local weather conditions.
AI to Answer Farmers’ Queries
Farmers with smartphones can also send questions through WhatsApp voice messages. In response, an artificial intelligence-based system will generate answers and provide weather-related guidance.
The Agriculture Department developed the Telangana Weather Advisory in partnership with Development Innovation Lab India and Evidence Action. Both organisations signed a memorandum of understanding with the department to provide regular weather updates and advisory services.
AI-Driven Support for Agriculture
Ankur Garg, Country Director of Evidence Action, explained how the organisation is using artificial intelligence to support farmers with weather forecasts and advisory services.
Meanwhile, Nageswara Rao said the platform comes at a crucial time. Sudden weather changes have increasingly affected farming operations across the state. Therefore, farmers need accurate forecasts and quick responses to their questions.
“It is vital to provide farmers with accurate weather information and answer their questions,” the minister said.
Agriculture Secretary K. Surendra Mohan, Agriculture Commissioner Dr. B. Gopi, and other senior officials attended the launch event.
