A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) on October 30, 2024.

 A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) on October 30, 2024. The MoU was signed by Dr. M. Mohapatra, Director General of Meteorology and Shri Charanjeet Singh, Additional Secretary, Rural Livelihoods in the presence of the Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary MoES and Shri Shailesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, MoRD, along with senior officials from both organizations.

The MoU aims to collaborate on the dissemination of weather and climate information, as well as agrometeorological advisories through the village level network of Krishi Sakhi and Pashu Sakhi under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (Day-NRLM), MoRD. It is collaborative initiative of both the ministries towards rural development and women empowerment. The capacity building program through training of Krishi Sakhi and Pashu Sakhi will be conducted jointly for better utilization of weather and climate information for reducing losses, enhancing and ensuring safety and rural livelihood.

This partnership seeks to equip farmers with actionable weather data, crop planning, water management, and risk mitigation. IMD data will support developing action plan for the Self Help Group (SHG) network, where trained members will act as weather information disseminators in their villages. SHG members will get timely alerts on floods, cyclones, and other hazards.

Ministry of Earth Sciences Government of India, All India Radio News, National Disaster Management Authority, India, DDNewsLive