The Islamic Republic of Iran Meteorological Organization (IRIMO) initiated a comprehensive climate information services project in 2104 called TAHAK, which focuses on farming communities. The project aimed to minimize quantitative and qualitative losses of agricultural products, to reduce damages due to weather and climate hazards, to fill gaps in information systems, and save time, energy and financial resources. TAHAK was implemented using the WMO Strategy for Service Delivery.
Local observers of synoptic weather stations contribute to TAHAK implementation by producing value added information based on in situ meteorological data. They serve as TAHAK county representatives, bridging the gap between farmers and IRIMO and paving the way for further implementation of TAHAK by delivering applicable meteorological information and practical tips to farmers. A two-way relationship between meteorologists and end-users is key to the success of TAHAK. Both end-users and meteorological experts received training to ensure uniformity in the implementation of the system.
Over the past three years (2014-2016), over 1.2 million farmers in the 31 provinces of Iran have been involved in the project. They cover agricultural fields such as beekeeping, shrimp producing, olive, date, apple, grape, wheat and rice growing, poultry and ostrich farming, and many more. TAHAK services in 11 provinces were estimated during the last growing season (2015-2016) at US$ 110 million.
TAHAK is expanding to other sectors, including health and air pollution. The project is currently setting-up automated production and delivery of user-centric services for agricultural meteorology and other sectors.
