The Agriculture & Farmers’ Empowerment (AG&FE) Department of Odisha signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Skymet Weather Services Pvt Ltd on July 3, 2025, in Bhubaneswar to implement the Weather Information Network Data System (WINDS) project.
The signing, witnessed by Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, marks a significant step toward strengthening agricultural risk management under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).
The WINDS initiative, launched by the Government of India, aims to improve weather data accessibility to support farmers, insurers, and disaster management authorities. The project will deploy Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) at the block level and Automatic Rain Gauges (ARG) at the Gram Panchayat level across Odisha. Funded through the PMFBY budget managed by the Cooperation Department, the initiative is a collaborative effort between the AG&FE and Revenue & Disaster Management (OSDMA) Departments.
Dy CM KV Singh Deo highlighted that accurate weather data will empower farmers with better crop planning, risk assessment, and yield prediction, fostering multi-cropping and efficient insurance claim processes. “This project is a game-changer for Odisha’s farmers, ensuring resilience against unpredictable weather,” he stated.
The MoU was signed by Subham Saxena, Director of Agriculture & Food Production, and Jogesh Patil, CEO of Skymet Weather Services, in the presence of senior officials, including Additional Secretary Dr. Ganeswar Jena and Dr. Rajesh Das. The comprehensive weather monitoring system is expected to transform agricultural practices by providing real-time, localised data.
Odisha’s adoption of WINDS underscores its commitment to modernising agriculture and mitigating climate risks. By integrating advanced weather technology, the state aims to enhance farmer efficiency and secure livelihoods, setting a model for other states to follow.
- Odisha’s WINDS Project
- Skymet and Odisha Team Up for Game-Changing WINDS Initiative
- Odisha Farmers to Benefit from Advanced Weather Monitoring System
- New Weather Network to Boost Odisha’s Crop Insurance and Planning
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