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Drought in the Indian arid region, which occurs frequently, adversely impact kharif crops whereas, severe cold wave followed by heat wave conditions that prevail affect rabi crops. Impact of weather extremes on the annual food grain production of the region showed variability from 1.38 to 6.82 million tonnes. A case study on the economic loss due to cold wave during 2005-06 winter showed that the crop losses were up to Rs.6220 million.

Weather based Agro-Advisory Service (AAS) for farmers of arid region based on Medium Weather Range Forecasts of NCMRWF, Noida were initiated in 1998 to minimize the risks from weather and weather induced pests and diseases. Contingency plans showing suitable crops and varieties for early, normal and late onset of monsoon were prepared. A survey on economic benefits accrued due to AAS showed that advisory particularly on early warning of cold waves, rainfall during critical stages of crops helped in enhancing yield by 36% in pearl millet, 19% in clusterbean, 11% in mustard and 33% in cumin compared to the yield obtained from non-AAS farmers.