Rahul Ranjan (left) and Shubham Singh (right). Photo: Private

Rahul Ranjan and Shubham Singh's paths crossed serendipitously. Despite different academic backgrounds — Rahul in electrical engineering and Shubham in mathematics — their shared fascination with the skies led them to an unexpected friendship and a joint mission. "It was  in 2018 when our paths crossed,” Shubham recalls, "but before that, we didn't know each other at all."

The plight of Indian farmers

India's agricultural sector, sprawling over 160 million hectares (more than half of total land), sustains a significant portion of its population. As the globe's second-largest producer of foundational crops like rice, and wheat, along with a bountiful array of fruits and vegetables, India's role in global food security is monumental. Any substantial decrease in yield can have serious implications not only for India's food security but also for other countries that depend on its agricultural exports. 

Infographic source: Medium.com

Accurate weather forecasting plays a pivotal role in a country of diverse climates and topographies where agriculture is heavily influenced by monsoon patterns. "There are nearly 500 million farmers in India," Rahul explains, highlighting the scale of their task. "Weather prediction for them isn't just about planning; it's about survival."

Shubham adds, "While many regions in southern and western India receive weather forecasts, we decided to focus on the often-neglected areas we call home." These regions, as Rahul points out, are vital breadbaskets for India yet frequently overlooked in terms of meteorological services.

Their method is distinct. They utilize advanced meteorological models and satellite imagery, coupled with their deep understanding of local weather patterns, to provide accurate forecasts. "My grandfather, a banker-turned-farmer, was fascinated by medieval poets who predicted weather through nature's signals," shares Shubham. "That inspired me to observe the minutiae of nature and tie it with scientific forecasting." Rahul's childhood experience in a thunderstorm-prone region of eastern India, taught him to discern weather patterns from cloud formations.

Reaching the unreached

To reach a broader audience, they've turned to the unlikely platform of Facebook with their page ‘Weather Station,’ which boasts upwards of 30,000 followers. "Facebook is the only platform that reaches rural India effectively," Rahul asserts. They translate complex meteorological jargon into simpler, regional languages, making it accessible to farmers who might otherwise be left in the dark.

Weather Station boasts more than 30000 followers since it was set up. Photo: Stella Papadopoulou

Their work has had tangible impacts. "We've received messages from farmers thanking us for forecasts that helped them avert losses," says Shubham, "It's more than just data for them; it's a lifeline."

Challenges and future goals

While their journey has been impactful, it's not without challenges "The unpredictability of tropical weather, coupled with the limitations of models primarily designed for temperate climates, makes accurate forecasting a complex task," Rahul admits.

Juggling their PhD commitments with this ambitious project adds another layer of complexity to their endeavour. Yet, their determination remains unwavering.  "We're planning to expand our reach, perhaps create YouTube tutorials in vernacular languages," shares Shubham. 

As Rahul and Shubham continue their work of bridging the gap between meteorology and practical farming needs, they represent a burgeoning wave of community scientists. They are not just researchers confined to universities but change-makers impacting lives across continents.

"The weather forecast is a science of the skies," Rahul muses, "but for us, it's also about the fields, the farmers, and their hopes against the changing climate."