Strengthening the dissemination of agrometeorological advisory services in Assam, India: Bridging forecasts to farm decisions

Agrometeorological Advisory Services (AAS) play a pivotal role in supporting climate-resilient agriculture by delivering weather-based advisories to farming communities. Traditional dissemination pathways in India rely on institutional networks, yet the increasing penetration of digital platforms has created new opportunities for last-mile connectivity. This study investigates the dissemination status of AAS in Assam, with a particular focus on WhatsApp-based networks. Following a recent directive from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to establish block-level WhatsApp groups covering at least five farmers per village, the AAS Unit at the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC), Guwahati, coordinated an investigation into dissemination practices. Data were collected online through a structured Google Sheet from six Agrometeorological Field Units (AMFUs) and through Google Form creation with District Agricultural Officers (DAOs) across 33 districts in Assam since June 2025. Findings reveal that AAS advisories currently reach one-tenth of the total farmers in Assam, which is increasing day by day. Two primary dissemination channels were identified: (1) direct transmission from AMFUs to farmers, and (2) transmission via DAOs. The investigation further documented the creation of new WhatsApp groups, enhancing farmer coverage through RMC, Guwahati. The study concludes that WhatsApp-based dissemination has substantially extended the outreach of AAS, though gaps remain in farmer coverage and district-level uniformity towards attaining sustainable agricultural practices in the state. Strengthening institutional coordination, expanding group networks, and ensuring inclusive digital participation are critical for maximizing impact.