The Ministry of Earth Sciences today informed that it is integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) technologies into weather, climate, and ocean forecasting systems, apart from physics-based numerical models.

In a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Earth Sciences Dr Jitendra Singh informed that as a part of a broader strategy to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of meteorological predictions, several initiatives are being taken as it is crucial for various sectors, including agriculture, disaster management and urban planning. He said for advanced prediction of weather a specialized virtual center at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune has been established.

The Minister further added that this centre of IITM focuses on leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) techniques for advancements in Earth Sciences. It has already developed several AI and ML-based applications tailored for localized predictions and the analysis of weather and climate patterns.

The Union Minister said that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) is rendering weather forecast-based agro-advisory services to farmers under the Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa (GKMS) project through the existing 130 Agrometeorological Field Units (AMFUs) in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), Indian Institute of Technology (IITs).

Mr Singh added that Agrometeorological Field Units prepare agro-advisories for their respective districts and disseminate them through various modes, including mass media, mobile Apps, SMS and other channels.