Wed Apr 02 03:55:36 UTC 2025: ## IMD Calls for Improved Weather Forecasting to Protect India’s Fisheries
**Bhubaneswar, Odisha – April 2, 2025** – The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has urged for strengthened collaborative scientific efforts to enhance the accuracy of weather forecasting for India’s fishing sector. Addressing the 38th annual day of the ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA) in Bhubaneswar, IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra highlighted the increasing vulnerability of fisheries to climate change.
Rising global temperatures, he explained, are impacting both marine and inland fisheries. With projected declines in rice and wheat production due to global warming, the fisheries sector assumes crucial importance for national food security. More precise weather forecasts are vital to safeguarding this sector.
Mohapatra noted the significant expansion of aquaculture, particularly in coastal states, and the need for increased attention to this burgeoning industry. He detailed the effects of rising temperatures on fish populations, including the movement of fish to deeper waters as they seek cooler habitats. This necessitates a shift in forecasting capabilities beyond the current 75 km offshore limit.
Changes in rainfall patterns also pose a challenge. While light to moderate rain benefits fishing, the increasing frequency of heavy rainfall events reduces visibility and increases water turbidity, negatively impacting fishing activities. The IMD is committed to providing area and pond-cluster-specific forecasts, even suggesting the installation of automated weather systems at pond clusters to enhance decision-making for fish farmers.
Drawing parallels with the IMD’s successful agro-meteorological services for farmers, Mohapatra emphasized the potential for similar improvements in fisheries forecasting. He cited the significant income gains (Rs. 12,000 on average) experienced by farmers in central India utilizing IMD’s block-level agro-meteorological services. The IMD is actively expanding outreach through various mobile applications, WhatsApp groups, and direct communication with village officials to ensure wider dissemination of weather information.
The event also featured presentations by CIFA Director P. K. Sahoo on innovative aquaculture technologies and other speakers from various agricultural institutions. The overall message underscored the urgent need for advanced, targeted weather forecasting to secure the future of India’s vital fisheries sector.
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