Weather-Based Crop Advisory: Smart Farming with Climate Insights

 Learn how weather impacts crop cycles and how Indian farmers can use weather apps, rainwater harvesting, and emergency plans to protect farm yield.

Introduction: Weather — The Most Powerful Farming Partner

In Indian agriculture, the weather is both a friend and a foe. While a good monsoon can ensure bumper yields, unseasonal rains or extended droughts can devastate crops. With climate change making weather patterns more unpredictable, farmers must adopt weather-based crop advisory systems for smarter, more resilient farming.

This blog explores:

• How weather affects crop growth and planning

• Tools like weather apps and alerts

• Smart farming decisions based on weather

• Rainwater harvesting techniques

• Emergency measures during floods and droughts

                                                                                   

1. How Weather Affects Crop Cycles

A. Temperature

• Impacts seed germination, flowering, and yield.

• Example: Wheat needs cool temperatures during early growth and warm during grain formation.

B. Rainfall

• Affects soil moisture, sowing times, pest emergence, and harvesting.

• Too much rain: root rot, fungus

• Too little rain: wilting, stunted growth

C. Humidity

• High humidity triggers fungal diseases (e.g., blight in tomatoes).

D. Wind Speed & Storms

• Lodging of tall crops like sugarcane, maize.

• Hailstorms damage flowering and fruit-bearing crops.

Weather FactorImpact on Crops

High TemperatureDelayed germination, stress on seedlings

Excess RainfallSoil erosion, fungal attack

Low RainfallDrought, low yield

HumidityLeaf blight, mildew

WindLodging, mechanical damage

Timely weather insight = better crop survival & productivity.

                                                                           

 

2. Using Agri-Weather Apps & Alerts

Technology is now in every farmer’s hand. Mobile apps provide accurate, localized weather data and actionable crop advice.

A. Best Agri-Weather Apps in India

1. Meghdoot App (by IMD + ICAR)

   • 5-day weather forecasts

   • Crop-specific advisories

2. Mausam App (by IMD)

   • Rainfall, wind, temperature updates

3. Kisan Suvidha App (by Govt. of India)

   • Weather + market + fertilizer + pest info

4. Skymet Weather App

   • Hyperlocal private weather forecasting

5. mKisan Portal Alerts

   • Free SMS-based agro advisories in regional languages

B. How These Help

• Timely sowing, irrigation, fertilizing

• Pest and disease prevention

• Harvest scheduling to avoid storm damage

“A 24-hour advance warning can save an entire season’s crop.”

                                                                               

 

3. Planning Farming Activities Based on Weather

A. Sowing

• Use forecast to plan optimal sowing windows.

• Example: Delayed monsoon? Shift to short-duration varieties.

B. Irrigation

• Avoid irrigating before expected rainfall.

• Use rainfall predictions to conserve water.

C. Fertilizer Application

• Don’t apply before heavy rains (nutrients wash away).

• Time spraying/pesticide use for windless days.

D. Harvesting

• Avoid harvesting if rain is predicted within 2–3 days.

• Dry grains properly to prevent fungal growth.

E. Pest Management

• Warm and humid weather encourages pests like whiteflies.

• Use forecasts to pre-spray fields or install traps.

ActivityWeather Consideration

SowingSoil moisture, rainfall onset

IrrigationRain forecast, humidity

FertilizingDry days, no rain for 48 hours

HarvestingClear weather for drying crops

Pest ControlWind, rain-free evenings

                                                                         

4. Rainwater Harvesting in Farms

With erratic rainfall, harvesting every drop becomes vital.

A. Types of Farm Rainwater Harvesting

1. Field Bunding

   • Small ridges around field to trap runoff

2. Farm Ponds / Check Dams

   • Store rainwater for irrigation and livestock

3. Rooftop Rainwater Tanks

   • For greenhouses, nurseries, and livestock sheds

4. Percolation Pits

   • Recharge groundwater and shallow wells

B. Benefits

• Reduces water stress

• Acts as insurance in dry spells

• Improves soil moisture and microclimate

“Rainwater stored today is the irrigation insurance of tomorrow.”

                                                                           

 

5. Emergency Plans During Floods or Droughts

A. Flood Management for Crops

1. Raised Beds or Furrows – Prevent root rot

2. Drainage Channels – Quickly remove excess water

3. Crop Insurance – Protect investment from total loss

4. Post-Flood Treatments – Apply bleaching powder, fungicide

B. Drought Response Plans

1. Drought-Tolerant Varieties – Millets, pulses, cowpea

2. Mulching – Prevent moisture loss

3. Sprinkler/Drip Use – Efficient water delivery

4. Staggered Sowing – Avoid full loss in delayed rains

C. Community Preparedness

• Joint storage tanks

• Water-sharing rotation

• Local weather monitoring groups

Disaster TypeKey Strategies

FloodDrainage, raised beds, post-treatment

DroughtMulching, short-duration crops, sprinklers

StormsHarvest early, support structures, insurance

                                                                                  

Conclusion: Farming Smarter with Weather Data

Farming can no longer depend on guesswork. By understanding and preparing for the weather, Indian farmers can:

• Reduce crop loss

• Improve productivity

• Save water and inputs

With weather apps, timely advisories, and emergency plans, farmers are more empowered than ever.

“Bad weather is inevitable — but crop damage doesn’t have to be.”

Start using these tools today and become a weather-wise farmer!

Suggested Tools for Farmers

• mKisan Portal – SMS alerts for local weather and advisory

• Irrigation Techniques and Water Management in Indian Agriculture