Explanation:
Occurrences of erratic weather are beyond human
control. It is possible, however, to adapt to or miti-
gate the effects of adverse weather if a forecast of the
expected weather can be obtained in time. Rural
proverbs abound in rules of thumb for anticipation
of local weather and timing of agricultural opera-
tions in light of expected weather. Basu (1953) found
no scientific basis for anticipation of weather in
many of the popular proverbs and folklore. In a
recent study, Banerjee et al. (2003) arrived at conclu-
sions similar to that of Basu (1953). The proverbs
and local lore show, however, that farmers have been
keen to know in advance the likely weather situa-
tions for crop operations from time immemorial.
Agronomic strategies to cope with changing weather
are available. For example, delays in the start of crop
