Agriculture is the backbone of the country but the uncertainty of weather remains its worst enemy. Fueled by climate change, the weather pattern has become almost unpredictable over the years. But there’s good news with the National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology launching a web-based Climate Service Toolkit that gives detailed weather forecasts.
Anyone with an internet connection can access the weather service toolkit. All you need to do is type in the webpage address “cst-bhutan.rimes.int”
One can get a host of services including the weather forecast for all twenty districts for over a month. Until now, the weather update has been provided through print and broadcast, for only three days.
The Center says the main aim is to avoid disasters in the country like the one last year when unprecedented downpours during October caused major disruptions across the country. Farmers mainly in Paro, Punakha, and Wangdue Phodrang reported damage to hundreds of acres of paddy fields. Almost 2,000 tons of rice production were affected in Paro alone, according to official records.
According to Sangay Dorji, the Chief of the Weather and Climate Services, this kind of incident will “keep coming back in the light of climate change”.
“There were a host of reasons for last year’s losses. Firstly, our office’s capacity to provide information one week ahead was an issue, and then, even the information that we have, the three-day forecast, did not reach the farmers on time. Even if it had reached the people, there (needs) a trust for people to use our information,” he said.
At the launch of the toolkit in Paro, the NCHM also trained the district’s local leaders who are expected to use the weather toolkit and share the information with the farmers.
“We will be able to provide the farmers with accurate and timely information. This will not only help farmers prepare for weather calamities, but they will also not need to rush their harvests if the weather will be good,” said Shaba Gup Sangay Lhamo.
“The most important for the people is to get accurate information. If we can provide that, people can plan and prepare accordingly,” said Sherab Lham, the Hungrel Gup.
Chencho Gyem, the Bongdey Tshogpa under Lunyi Gewog said the weather forecast has become much better now. “So, timely information can help the people make arrangements and prepare for any disaster.”
The center plans to train local leaders in the rest of the districts as well. The office is also developing a mobile app.
Namgay Wangchuk, Paro
Edited by Yeshi Gyaltshen
