The weather conditions so far in the state have been normal for agriculture and horticulture. According to director of State meteorological centre Bikram Singh, rainfall during the winter in the state this year has been better than normal.

“If we compare it to the other months in which rainfall occurs, the post-monsoon season which is from October to December witnessess minimal rainfall. Considering this, rainfall this year in post-monsoon season has been better than normal,” he added.

Singh informed that farmers are at the positive end as there are chances that it might rain again on December 12 and 13.

“Farmers who did not sow the seeds earlier have now done it as they are prepared for the rainfall in coming days. This will help the crops to grow faster,” he added.

He said that weather is showing a positive sign for horticulture too as required amount of snowfall had occurred earlier and there are good chances that it might occur again.

“Weather has been favourable in case of fruits like apples which grow in very low temperature,” said Singh.

The weather reports for farmers are provided twice a week on Tuesday and Friday. The state meteorological centre prepares the bulletins for agriculture district-wise. 

“The centre does not send the forecast directly to farmers. It is sent to the specialised centres Agromet Field Units (AMFU),” said Singh. “AMFU further provides the advisory to the farmers based on the information provided by the meteorological centre,” he added.

Uttarakhand has three AMFUs -- in Pantnagar, Ranichauhri and Roorkee. The farmers can also register on the meteorological centre’s website.

After registration the farmers will receive alerts directly through Short Message Service (SMS). Singh said that there are various NGOs which help in connecting the farmers and the meteorological centre by helping them access the forecast.

 “The representatives of the meteorological centre are invited at the exhibitions conducted by NGOs where representative guides the farmers about the facilities and benefits provided to them,” said Singh.