Top 5 reasons why weather forecasting is important for farming

15 Jan, 2025

Farming is a complex yet important process that is practised in villages. There are many factors that the farmers need to take into consideration while farming. Farming factors involve soil, irrigational facilities, and other farming tools and techniques, too. 

Apart from the mentioned factors, weather forecasting is an important factor that farmers need to take into consideration. To produce a successful crop, a farmer needs to be well prepared and should be aware of the approaching weather conditions or climatic changes, as the overall output of the crop is highly dependent upon the weather conditions.

Temperature plays a vital role in the growth of numerous fruits, vegetables, and legumes. Farmers had to rely on forecasts to fulfil their work because they didn't have a better understanding of weather forecasting earlier. They do, however, occasionally suffer losses because of inaccurate weather forecasts.

Farmers may now get all their updates on their smartphones, thanks to advances in technology and the availability of advanced weather forecasting mechanisms. Of course, education in this area is important, but most of the farmer population at this point understands the basics, making it simple for them to use the features.

What is Weather Forecasting?

Weather forecasting is the prediction of atmospheric conditions based on location and time. Every location will have its weather projections, making it relatively simple for farmers to know how and when to move.

As a result of the interaction between weather and agriculture, precise weather forecasting is required for farmers to make informed decisions that will not result in losses. Temperature, sunlight, and rainfall all have a significant impact on crops.

Temperature, as well as proper water and food, are critical for animals also. In simple words, weather forecasting can be roughly understood as a prediction or a statement indicating how and what the weather is likely to be the next day or the next few days.

Weather forecasting helps to determine the future climatic changes that are about to take place so that we as individuals can be prepared for that change.

Types of Weather Forecasting

1. Now casting

Now casting forecast weather for the next up to 6 hours and is given 2-3 hours in advance. It gives information about wind direction, temperature, humidity and more,  it aids in farmers' immediate activity planning.

2. Short-Range Weather Forecasting

Forecasts for short-range weather cover up to three days. Based on future rainfall, temperature, or wind direction, it aids in farmers' immediate activity planning—that of irrigation, pesticide application, and harvesting.

3. Medium-Range Weather Forecasting

Forecasts for medium-range weather span 4 to 10 days. It helps farmers schedule their fertilization, growing, and disease-combating activities, therefore reducing the hazards associated with extreme weather such as heat waves or heavy rain.

4. Long-Range Weather Forecasting

It includes forecasts of long-range, ten days to a month. Predicting seasonal trends like droughts or long stretches of rain helps long-term farming planning—just as it helps crop selection and resource allocation.

Top 5 Reasons Why Weather Forecasting is Important in Farming.

Seasons and weather play a major role in agriculture and farming. When it comes to the growing of various fruits, vegetables, and legumes, the temperature is quite important. Clear weather is required for sowing operations; it must be preceded by seed zone soil moisture storage.

The effects of unseasonal temperature variations, as well as their potential negative impacts on host plants and pests, are well understood. Unseasonably high temperatures on the farm may result in poorer plant productivity and an increase in pests.

To safeguard the farm and crops from insects, pests, and disease, control is necessary. Farmers can use weather forecasts to choose when to apply pesticides and insecticides to avoid crop loss. Climate-smart pest management is a multi-sectoral strategy aimed at drastically reducing pest-related crop losses.

1. Weather Forecasting and Fertilizer’s Timing Relation

Weather forecasting helps the farmer to know when the correct time is to apply fertilizer, along with the application rate. The bad timing of fertilizer and its application may spoil the crop’s growth. The field must be dry enough for the fertilizer not to wash away but moist enough for the fertilizer to penetrate the soil. 

Working in the field has its good and bad days. It is dependent on the moisture and temperature of the soil. Accurate weather data can assist farmers in determining when they should work most efficiently in their day-to-day operations.

2. Pest control

Weather forecasts help in controlling the pests and other crop diseases to spread over the field. Weather factors can influence crop-destroying pests. Information in this area can help to determine when pesticides should be used.

Crop dusters, which spray fungicidal or insecticidal chemicals on plants from above, should only be used when the wind will not cause the sprayed chemicals to miss their intended targets.

3. Role of renewable energy in weather forecasting

A farmer can plan how to use the renewable energy that will be exposed to the farm based on weather forecasting. It will assist a farmer in determining how much solar, wind, and anaerobic energy the farm will receive. 

A farmer can use this information to harness the power of solar and wind energy by constructing solar panels and wind turbines to capture it. The farmer will be able to put this energy to good use after harvesting and storing it.

4. Field workability

The availability of days that are ideal for fieldwork is referred to as field workability. Soil moisture and temperature are the most important factors. Accurate field-level meteorological data can assist farmers in determining the workability of their fields and making day-to-day activities more efficient.

5. Irrigation method is improved with the help of weather forecasting

Irrigation is the process of applying water to land artificially to increase agricultural production and farming. Weather unpredictability has an impact on irrigation and agricultural growth requirements. Two major weather-related criteria are the amount of timing and evapotranspiration.

Climate change is something that all farmers must deal with. Drought, or extended periods of dry weather, is one of the most significant effects on the irrigation system. So, if they do a good job forecasting, the odds of losing money are far smaller than projected. Due to reduced humidity and higher temperatures, drought can increase crop water usage daily.

Weather data is becoming more important in the developing field of smart farming, a farming approach that focuses on accuracy and control when it comes to crop production.