In a bold move to enhance weather resilience, the Government of India has approved Mission Mausam, an ambitious initiative aimed at revolutionizing weather forecasting systems in the country. Led by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), the mission has been allocated a budget of Rs 2,000 crore (USD 267 million) over two years, and aims to position India as a global leader in weather and climate sciences.
India’s economy is highly sensitive to weather patterns and agriculture contributes nearly 18% of GDP and employs more than half of the population. The unpredictability of monsoons, with frequent droughts, floods and extreme weather events, has a profound impact on food production, water resources and economic stability. Mission Mausam aims to address these challenges by improving India’s forecasting capabilities and climate resilience.
The initiative focuses on several key objectives, including developing advanced weather forecasting models, expanding infrastructure with new weather observation stations and state-of-the-art radars, and enhancing research in meteorology. Artificial intelligence, high-resolution weather models, next-generation Doppler radars and satellite systems are central to the technical framework of the mission. Using these innovations, India aims to provide more accurate forecasts for agriculture, disaster management and urban planning.
Farmers, especially those who depend on the monsoon, benefit greatly from improved weather forecasting. The mission will also provide agrometeorological consultancy, providing tailored guidance on crop management, pest control and water use. Additionally, Operation Mausam will strengthen India’s disaster preparedness by improving early warning systems for cyclones, floods and heat waves, saving lives and reducing economic losses.
The Mausam mission is also poised to foster global cooperation by positioning India as a key player in global climate initiatives, including the Paris Agreement and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). By providing data and expertise, India seeks to strengthen its leadership in addressing global climate challenges.
