Weather Impact, in partnership with Wageningen Environmental Research (WEnR) and Digital Innovation for Impact (DI4I), is actively supporting the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) and the Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) in implementing sub-seasonal to seasonal (S2S) forecasts. This collaborative effort aims to establish a comprehensive data stream, bridging weather model data with agronomical advisory services. The initiative is a pivotal component of the Agro-Meteorological Information Systems Development Project (AMISDP), generously funded by The World Bank.

S2S forecasts, spanning a 6-week timeframe, offer valuable insights into weather conditions at a weekly scale. Positioned between conventional short-term forecasts (up to 10 days ahead) and monthly seasonal predictions, S2S forecasts represent the cutting edge of meteorological science and hold immense potential for various sectors. Weather Impact is actively assisting BMD and DAE in harnessing the power of these forecasts, aiming to unlock their benefits for the farming community. These forecasts can address critical questions for farmers, such as the onset of the monsoon or indications of extreme rainfall events.

This collaborative project comprises two primary components:

Assessment of S2S Models: The project involves a thorough evaluation of S2S models within the context of Bangladesh. This evaluation is essential for tailoring forecasts to the region’s unique characteristics, ultimately enhancing their accuracy and reliability.

Development of Agronomical Advisory Products: By co-developing farm management advisories, this project equips farmers with more time to respond to weather conditions. These advisories empower farmers to make informed decisions about when to initiate, postpone, or adapt their agricultural activities. The newly developed advisories will undergo rigorous field testing and validation.

One of the core pillars of this initiative is to ensure its sustainability. This involves building the capacity of key stakeholders. Weather Impact and WEnR will provide training to BMD and DAE officials, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to utilize the system effectively. Furthermore, a standardized operational procedure (SOP) will be established in collaboration with both BMD and DAE. This SOP will define the roles and responsibilities of each organization in the S2S data chain, ensuring a seamless and efficient workflow.

The project will run till December 2023 and the forecast generation system has already been transferred and handed over to the Bangladesh Meterological Department (BMD).

Category: Blog