Agriculture
Karnataka Agriculture Department Launches Free Weather‑Based SMS Alerts for Farmers
The department has introduced a digital system that sends real‑time weather anomaly and rainfall forecasts in Kannada directly to farmers' mobile phones at no cost.
The Karnataka Agriculture Department has strengthened a new digital platform that delivers weather‑related information to farmers via free SMS messages. The service provides alerts on weather anomalies and upcoming rainfall forecasts, enabling farmers to make timely decisions about planting, irrigation and harvest activities. Messages are sent directly to the mobile phones of registered farmers in the Kannada language, ensuring accessibility for the state's primary agricultural community. By offering the information at no charge, the department aims to improve crop resilience and reduce losses caused by unexpected weather conditions. The initiative reflects the government's push toward digitising agricultural advisory services and expanding outreach to remote farming areas.