Report on Farmer Awareness Programme: Gramin Krishi Mausam Seva (GKMS) Workshop
1. Introduction
The Farmer Awareness Programme on Gramin Krishi Mausam Seva (GKMS) was successfully conducted with the aim to educate farmers about weather-based agro met advisory services. The workshop focused on enhancing the understanding and utilization of localized weather forecasts for informed agricultural decisions, ensuring better crop yield, and reducing weather-related risks.
2. Objectives of the Workshop
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To create awareness among farmers about the GKMS initiative.
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To educate farmers on the use of weekly/daily weather forecasts in planning farm operations.
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To demonstrate how timely weather advisories can prevent crop loss.
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To promote the use of mobile-based agromet services.
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To establish a channel between farmers and agromet field units (AMFU).
3. Key Highlights
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Participation: Over 250 farmers from nearby villages attended the workshop.
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Expert Talks: Specialists from the Meteorological Department, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, and Agricultural Universities provided valuable insights on:
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Reading and interpreting weather forecasts.
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Planning irrigation, pesticide/fertilizer applications based on weather alerts.
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Crop-specific weather advisories.
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Preventive measures for weather-related contingencies.
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Live Demonstrations:
Farmers were shown how to access weather updates via SMS, mobile apps like Meghdoot and Damini, and community radios.
Interactive Session:
Farmers asked queries related to crop protection during extreme weather, especially monsoon and winter cropping seasons.
4. Awareness Materials Distributed
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Pamphlets and leaflets on weekly agromet advisories.
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Information on enrolling in GKMS SMS alert services.
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Guidelines on weather-resilient farming techniques.
5. Outcomes
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Increased enrollment of farmers in GKMS advisory SMS services.
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Enhanced awareness of weather forecast interpretation.
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Positive feedback from farmers on the utility of such workshops for real-time decision-making.
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Identification of farmer coordinators for continuous dissemination of agromet services.
6. Recommendations
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Regular workshops should be held at village/block levels.
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Training of local youth/farmers as agromet volunteers.
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Expansion of the outreach of Meghdoot and Damini apps in local languages.
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Collaboration with local Krishi Vigyan Kendras and Panchayats to amplify the reach.
7. Conclusion
The Farmer Awareness Workshop on GKMS was a successful initiative in bridging the gap between science and the farming community. With regular engagement and proper dissemination of weather-based advisories, farmers can be empowered to make climate-smart agricultural decisions.