NITI Aayog's Controversial Move: Agro-Meteorological Units Shut Down

The Congress has accused NITI Aayog of misrepresenting the role of 199 district agro-meteorological units to justify their shutdown. These units provided free weather advisory services to farmers and their closure was met with opposition from various stakeholders. Documents suggest privatization efforts led to this decision.

The Congress on Saturday accused the NITI Aayog of misrepresenting the role of 199 district agro-meteorological units, justifying their shutdown. These units, crucial for providing free weather advisory services to farmers at the block level, were closed in March this year.

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh highlighted a media report claiming the NITI Aayog pushed for the shutdown to privatize these services. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) implemented the decision despite opposition from Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and key stakeholders, including the Gujarat-based Association of Agrometeorologists.

Ramesh criticized the Aayog for misrepresenting the role of agromet units, which customized central forecasts for local use and provided crucial agricultural advisories. He accused the Aayog of deceiving and lacking the courage to stand up to the government's poor decision-making, furthering its reputation as a government cheerleader.

(With inputs from agencies.)