The XVII Biennial Workshop of All India Coordinated Research Project on Agrometeorology (AICRPAM) was inaugurated on 12 December 2024 at Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Samastipur. 40 scientists of AICRPAM network centres from 25 State Agricultural Universities / ICAR institutes are participating in the workshop.

Dr S.K. Chaudhari, DDG (NRM), ICAR, New Delhi, Dr P.S. Pandey, Hon'ble Vice Chancellor, RPCAU, Samastipur, Dr V.K. Singh, Director, ICAR-CRIDA, Hyderabad, Dr Anup Das, Director, ICAR-RCER, Patna, Dr A.K. Singh, Director of Research, RPCAU, Dr Mayank Rai, Dean, PGCA, RPCAU and Dr. Santanu Kumar Bal, Project Coordinator (AICRPAM) graced the inaugural session.

Dr A.K. Singh, Director of Research, RPCAU welcomed all the dignitaries and the delegates. Dr. Santanu Kumar Bal PC-AICRPAM briefed about the overview of the project and three days’ work plan of the workshop. Dr Mayank Rai, Dean, PGCA, RPCAU mentioned that the NICRA project conceptualized and implemented by CRIDA has a cascading effect on climate change impact research in Indian agriculture. Dr Anup Das, Director, ICAR-RCER, Patna, complemented research work of CRIDA and AICRPAM in the field of climate change.

Dr V.K. Singh, Director, ICAR-CRIDA, Hyderabad, highlighted the importance of providing timely seasonal weather forecast in operationalizing the District Agricultural Contingency Plans. He mentioned that taking AAS to the farm level should be one of the priorities of AICRPAM.

Dr S.K. Chaudhari, DDG (NRM), ICAR, New Delhi, appreciated the efforts of CRIDA and AICRPAM in pioneering agrometeorology and climate change research in the country. He also opined that the accuracy of weather forecast has improved over time, making the agromet advisory services (AAS) a much sought after service among the farmers. He lauded AICRPAM scientists in documenting the positive impacts of climate change on agriculture and also mentioned their active participation in national level Crop Weather Watch Group meetings.

Dr P.S. Pandey, Hon'ble Vice Chancellor, RPCAU, Samastipur, appreciated the contributions of CRIDA, NICRA and AICRPAM and their footprint across the country. He urged to introduce AI, augmented and virtual reality in agromet research. He also suggested to quantify the economic impact of district agricultural contingency plans (DACPs) implementation.

The inaugural session ended with the formal vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Abdus Sattar, Agrometeorologist, RPCAU, Samastipur,