17 December 2008: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is helping the Bangladesh Meteorological Department to upgrade and strengthen its network of agrometeorological observatories, as announced at the opening of a national seminar on agrometeorology taking place in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Other international organizations such as the World Bank, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Food Programme are also participating in the seminar to discuss the country’s need for improved weather and climate data in support of agriculture.

The existing meteorological, hydrological and agrometeorological
services in Bangladesh do not have the capability to provide seasonal
climate forecasts, especially because of the wide variations in
flooding and droughts caused by monsoon rains.
Seasonal
predictions and advisories through improved weather and climate
information can assist in better planning and use of land for
agricultural management.
At the request of the Government of
Bangladesh, the WMO has been reviewing the existing agrometeorological
services in the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, including the
technical and other resources available. Based thereon, the WMO has
developed recommendations to improve the current national
agrometeorological station network to ensure the timely delivery of
agrometeorological information and products. [WMO Press Release]