New TV channel on weather by May 2008

Coimbatore, Aug 22 (UNI) A television channel dedicated to provide accurate information on weather patterns will be launched by May next year, Union Earth Sciences Secretary Dr P S Goel said today.

Addressing a national conference on the 'Impact of climate change with particular reference to agriculture' at the Tamil Nadu Agriculture University here, he said the purpose of the channel was to ensure that information regarding weather reached all stakeholders, particularly farmers.

Citing examples, the official said 30 per cent of wheat production was lost following heavy frost in Punjab in one night.

The loss could have been averted, had the forecast been given out earlier.

Talking to media here, Dr Goel said the country's weather forecast system would be modernised with a budget of Rs 900 crore in the first phase. The Ministry was working on an agro-met advisory mechanism which would provide accurate and reliable weather forecast to all the sectors.

The mechanism would be put in place at the regional level by October this year and at the district level by May 2008. The centre for excellence on climate change would be set up at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune, he informed.

The Minister dedicated 45 satellite-linked weather stations set up by the TNAU across the State in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation to the farmers of the State.

UNI