Farmers in remote areas like Kalikot and Jajarkot can now receive weather forecast updates directly on their mobile phones. This new initiative is helping them plan farming activities and stay safe during natural disasters.
SMS Alerts Help Farmers Adjust Farming Plans
A farmer named Atirupa Shahi from Kalikot’s Narharinath Rural Municipality receives an SMS every three days with weather forecast information. Her neighbor, Tara Shahi, also follows the forecast updates before starting any farming work.
“We were planning to harvest wheat, but the SMS said it would rain on Friday and Saturday,” said Tara. “So, we delayed the work to Monday.” She is a member of the Makhamali Farmers’ Group.
Over 600 People Getting Weather Forecasts by SMS
About 600 people, including farmers, local representatives, and employees from Kalikot and Jajarkot municipalities, receive weather forecast updates every three days through SMS. This system is based on data provided by the Meteorological Department.
The information is also displayed on public notice boards outside ward offices, schools, and the municipality’s subject offices. According to Narharinath spokesperson Pradeep Bohara, the updates are also regularly published on the municipality’s website.
No More Waiting for Radio Forecasts
Kaushila Nepali, chairperson of the Social Transformation Farmers’ Group, shared how the SMS system replaced the old method of listening to the radio for weather news. “We used to suffer huge losses when crops were damaged due to unexpected weather,” she said. “Now we work based on the forecast and take precautions to avoid disasters like landslides or lightning.”
Farmers Work Only When the Weather is Favorable
Bimala Khatri from Jajarkot’s Shivalaya-5 said farmers need accurate forecasts to plant or harvest crops at the right time. “If the message says the weather will stay clear, we work in the fields. Otherwise, we wait,” she explained.
Weather Info + Market Rates in SMS
According to Sangeeta Pal, climate change officer at SAHAS Nepal, the SMS alerts have made it easier for farmers to manage their work and avoid risks. She added, “Farmers also receive market price updates every three days along with weather info. This helps them plan when to sell their produce.”
Farmers are also receiving SMS updates on crop and vegetable disease control methods, which is helping reduce losses.
Climate Change Affecting Farming Practices
Kamal Bahadur Shah, vice-chairperson of Narharinath Rural Municipality, said changing weather patterns are creating serious problems for both farming and daily life. “Due to climate change, rain is unpredictable, natural water sources are drying up, and invasive species are increasing,” he said.
He also mentioned that the municipality is considered disaster-prone, and early weather alerts are now helping reduce losses.
Past Weather-Related Disasters Caused Major Damage
In the past three years, floods, landslides, and lightning have claimed 16 lives in the municipality. Nainsara Rana from the Chandrasurya Farmers’ Group shared how lack of weather updates led to major crop losses three years ago.
“Our harvested paddy rotted in the field due to unexpected rain,” she said. “Now, we harvest only when we get a clear forecast through SMS.” She also mentioned adopting climate-resilient farming practices for the last four years.
Organic Farming Through Climate-Smart Techniques
Nainsara grows vegetables and mushrooms in two plastic tunnels, earning around Rs. 25,000 per month. After joining the group, all members upgraded their cattle sheds and stopped using chemical fertilizers.
She said they now use eco-friendly methods like hotbeds, solarization, and nurseries to purify soil. “These techniques help keep the soil fertile and reduce pest attacks,” she explained. Farmers also use organic urine to control diseases in their crops.
Changing Weather Calls for Smarter Farming
Hari Prasad Adhikari, senior climate change officer at SAHAS Nepal, said that unpredictable weather has deeply impacted farming. “Farmers now depend on weather info to grow and harvest crops like rice, wheat, maize, and millet,” he said.
According to Kalikot’s Agriculture Development Office chief Chandra Bahadur Shahi, more and more farmers are now actively checking weather forecasts before working in the fields.
