Farmers’ Perception Towards District AgroMet Unit (DAMU) Agro Advisory Services in Agriculture and Allied sectors in Tamil Nadu

A study was undertaken between 2022 and 2023 to assess farmers’ perceptions of District Agro Meteorological Unit (DAMU) Services in Cuddalore, Ramnad, and Aruppukottai districts of Tamil Nadu. DAMU offers specialized weather information to support local agricultural activities. Employing an ex post facto research design, a random sample of 180 registered farmers was selected. Data was collected using a standardized questionnaire. Results revealed that Short-Range Forecasts (1-3 days) were most preferred (51.11%) followed by Medium-Range Forecast (4-7 days) with 31.11 per cent offering valuable insights to plan their activities for the upcoming week in making decisions related to crop protection, disease management and resource allocation of weather predictions. About three fourth (72.28 %) of farmers held a moderate perception of DAMU’s agromet services followed by high perception (15 per cent). The first ranked Perception Index (PI: 91.11) statement was that “weather-based advice assists in timing of sowing and transplanting” then “Information provided under DAMU is clearly understandable” (PI: 89.44); “advisory services in the form of video link are understandable, useful & effective” (PI: 86.11) and least agreement for judicious application of fertilizers (PI: 66.29) and temperature forecasts (PI: 64.62) aid in safeguarding crops from cold, frost, and heat damage.