Economic Impact Analysis of Agrometeorological Advisory Services Issued Through Agromet Advisory Services Project For Farmers of SouthernZone of Andhra Pradesh

摘要

Weather based agro advisories play a vital role in agricultural production. Bi-weekly agrometeorological advisory bulletins based on medium range weather forecasting were effectively disseminated to assess the economic impact involving 20 AAS farmersand 20 non-AAS farmers. The study comprises of 2 panchayats. The weekly agromet advisory bulletin contains information on past weather, weather forecast for 3-5 days ahead, stage of the crops and advisory to be followed on crop management, technology adoption and crop protection measures based on weather forecast. Economic impact analysis of Agro advisories for adoptability among farming communities was also carried out by field surveys and regular monitoring during 2006-2010. Factors affecting crop production such as drought, excess rains, and pest disease under unfavourable weather conditions were evaluated. By employing the Agrometeorological advisory services, farmer can increase his farm productivity and reduce the crop loss. Analysis of medium range forecast of rainfall for 9 years (2001 -2002 to 2009-2010) realized to extent of 51 % during Kharif and 60% during Rabi and the forecast were found to be encouraging. Results on economic impact of weather based agromet advisories in rice, groundnut and redgram growing areas revealed that adoption of improved practices such as introducing redgram as intercrop in 7:1 ratio in groundnut, under normal and unfavourable weather conditions, by taking up timely plant protection measures improved the incomeof the farmer. Our analysis indicated an additional benefit of Rs.3500 to 15000/- per hectare can be achieved by duly following weather based agro advisories with respect to adoption of technology, pests and diseases for the crops under study.