Scientists to vet weather data to aid farmers in distress

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₹2,761 crore under the PMFBY were pending till 2021-22, with Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Gujarat reporting the highest pendency, Parliament was told last year. Claims under the PMFBY are generally paid by insurance companies within two months of harvesting and one month of notification for invoking the risks of “prevented sowing, mid-season adversity and post-harvest losses".

Scientific assessment of weather data from every district and panchayat will help in forecasting crop production estimates and crop losses, the second official said. Additionally, NTH scientists will visit data collection centres to recalibrate weather assessment tools for error-free weather forecasting.

They will also evaluate soil moisture content and advise on the soil’s suitability for crops such as chana, mustard and wheat, this official said. Dr Rakesh Arrawatia, finance professor at the Institute of Rural Management Anand, said,“Using satellite images is going to play a critical role in agriculture over the next 10 years by providing valuable data for insurance claims, verifying claim accuracy, and enhancing agricultural practices.

This technology can offer insights into crop health, moisture levels, and other crucial factors, enabling more informed decision-making and ultimately improving productivity." Officials say accurate weather data is crucial to determining the correct share of financial contributions to states in droughts, floods and unseasonal rains. It enables the government to assess the extent of damage and allocate resources effectively to mitigate the impact on affected farmers and communities.