Introduction to Agrometeorology in Pakistan

Meterology is the word derived from �meteoro� which means �above the surface of earth� and �logos� means �scientific study�. It is actually a branch of Physics and deals with the study of lower atmosphere. In short, it is the study of characteristics and behavior of atmosphere. It explains and analyses the changes of individual weather elements such as air pressure, temperature and humidity that are brought about due to the effect of insolation (radiation from the sun received by earth�s surface).

Weather monitoring device installed near an agricultural field

The application of meteorology in agriculture is called Agriculture meteorology or Agrometeorology. In plain words, agrometeorology is the application of study of the effects caused by the changes and behavior of the climate on agriculture. The measurements and analysis done for longer durations enables the agriculture world about the coming climatic changes in advance.There are numerous possibilities of the applications of Agrometeorology in agriculture sector of Pakistan.

Role of weather in Crop production

Climate and weather conditions of a land greatly affect the crop production activities from land preparation, to sowing, harvesting and post-harvesting.  In rainfed areas, changes in the climate can have devastating affect such as no water for sowing, or during crop development stages, or flooding during a standing crop can destroy all of the crops. So, both floods and famines are nightmare to the farmer community.

Importance of Agrometeorology

� Helps in planning cropping patterns/systems.

� Selecting of sowing dates for optimum crop yield.

� To go for cost effective ploughing, harrowing, weeding etc.

� Reducing losses of applied chemicals and fertilizers. Avoid fertilizer and chemical sprays when rain is forecast

�  Judicious irrigation to crops.

�  Efficient management of soils, which are formed out of weather action.

� Efficient harvesting of all crops.

�  Managing weather abnormalities like cyclones, heavy rainfall, floods, drought etc. This can be achieved by weather forecasting.

� Mitigation measures such as shelterbelts against cold and heat waves, effective environmental protection.

�  Reducing or eliminating outbreak of pests and diseases.

� Avoiding or minimizing losses due to forest fires.

Agrometerology and Pakistan.

Pakistan Meteorological Department has been working for decades and it has helped the agriculture community of Pakistan in the recent times. The information regarding upcoming climatic changes and day to day weather updates are easily available on the online resources. 

Similarly, television and radio communications are also common methods of farmer awareness in Pakistan. But this has simply proven far too less than what should have been accomplished due to lack of proper extension services, the farmers in the remote villages only receive the weather updates once in a while.

Research in agrometeorology has also been done to the extent it should have been. Since Pakistan is a land blessed with all four weather seasons and all kinds of soil and temperature conditions. Hence, the agricultural institutions in Pakistan should put a serious thought to proper research in Agrometeorology, climatology and remote sensing technologies which can also be transmitted to the farmer community in Pakistan.