Guntur: In a significant step to assist farmers in coping with changing weather patterns and climate-related risks, Vignan's Foundation for Science, Technology and Research has partnered with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to develop advanced weather-based agricultural advisory services for Andhra Pradesh.
Under this collaboration, Vignan University will utilize high-resolution weather and climate data provided by IMD to generate farm-level advisories. These advisories will help farmers make informed decisions regarding crop planning, irrigation management, and climate risk mitigation. University in-charge Vice-Chancellor KV Krishna Kishore stated that the initiative would enable scientific forecasting and weather guidance at a highly localized level, thereby improving support for the agriculture sector.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two institutions was exchanged in New Delhi on Thursday. Vignan University Vice-Chancellor Prof K V Krishna Kishore and IMD Secretary Dr M Ravichandran formalized the agreement.
Prof Krishna Kishore emphasized that the collaboration would combine meteorological science with agricultural research to provide practical solutions for farmers facing uncertainties due to erratic rainfall, rising temperatures, and extreme weather events. He explained that high-resolution weather and climate change data at a 1-2 km grid level would be made accessible through APIs, enabling accurate and real-time advisory services for different farming zones.
He further noted that the partnership would also focus on research and academic activities in meteorology, agrometeorology, climate change, and disaster management. Faculty members, students, and scientists from both institutions will participate in training programs, collaborative research, and academic exchange initiatives.
Vignan University Vice-Chairman and MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu remarked that the collaboration will strengthen climate extension activities and promote the use of modern technology and scientific tools in agriculture. He added, "The initiative will also create opportunities for students to gain practical exposure in weather sciences, climate studies, and disaster preparedness." Deans and faculty members from various departments participated in the program.
