Department of Agricultural Meteorology

Punjab Agricultural University Ludhiana came into existence during 1962. Until 1981, teaching and research in Agrometeorology discipline was carried out within the Department of Agronomy. However, based on recommendations of National Commission on Agriculture, an independent department of Agril. Meteorology was established during 1981-82 with assistance from ICAR

The M.Sc. Programme initiated in 1979-80 while Ph.D programme was started in 1992-93 PAU was the first institution in the country to start these programme and to start short range weather forecast s and issuance of Agro advisories for farmers. A net work of automatic weather stations covering all five agroclimatic zones with central facility at Ludhiana has been established .

Research thrust in Agrometeorology include weather driven dynamic crop growth and yield simulation models for various crops, crop weather relationships, weather- crop-insects/diseases interactions,. Climatic changes and their effects on crop productivity, modifications to alleviate environmental stress, evapotranspiration and water requirements of important crops .

An excellent infrastructure has been created for teaching/ extension and research in agrometeorology viz. climatology, crop weather interactions, field microclimate modifications to alleviate environmental stresses, evapotranspiration and water requirements of crop, weather crop insect/disease interactions, crop growth simulation modelling and climate changes effects on crop production. These studies form the bases to formulate agro advisories to face aberrant weather conditions and advise on efficient farm management practices to farmers.