Most Equipment in Chattogram Region Non-Functional, Advance Weather Alerts Not Reaching Farmers

The Department of Agricultural Extension implemented the Agricultural Weather Information System Improvement Project to deliver advance weather and river condition information to farmers at the grassroots level. Although the five-year project term has ended, most of the installed equipment has become damaged. Under this nearly 100 crore Taka project, implemented nationwide, most of the weather board electrical devices installed at the sub-district level are now non-functional. Due to the lack of skilled operators and the limited lifespan of the devices, farmers are being deprived of the long-term benefits of the project. Although advance weather and river condition information is supposed to be provided, farmers in the field are not receiving these advance weather alerts.