Journal of Global Agriculture and Ecology

Agro-meteorological crop advisory services (ACAS) translate weather and climate information into actionable, crop-stage–specific guidance to support farm decisions on sowing, irrigation, nutrient management, and risk reduction. In India, operational advisory programs have expanded through multi-institutional networks and increasingly digital dissemination, yet persistent gaps remain in last-mile communication, trust, and rigorous impact evaluation. This review synthesizes recent peer-reviewed evidence on the design and effectiveness of ACAS with particular emphasis on paddy (rice) and leafy vegetables—two commodity groups that are highly sensitive to rainfall variability, temperature extremes, and pest–disease dynamics but differ substantially in crop duration, market perishability, and decision frequency. We integrate findings from impact assessments, communication studies, forecast-skill research, and crop-climate literature to explain how advisory value is created (and sometimes lost) along the chain from forecast generation to farmer response capacity. For paddy, evidence indicates yield and income gains when advisories are timely, localized, and combined with input access and extension support, especially in monsoon-dependent systems. For leafy vegetables, the potential gains are large because of short cycles and high sensitivity to irrigation timing and heat stress, yet advisory design is less mature and often under-evaluated. We propose a crop-differentiated framework for ACAS in India that couples sub-seasonal to seasonal risk information with within-season tactical advisories, supported by co-production, localized validation, and digital–human hybrid delivery. The review closes with a research agenda focused on causal attribution, heterogeneity of impacts, and scalable quality assurance for advisories that serve both staple cereals and high-value horticulture. The rapid evolution of digital platforms and forecast systems means that some implementation realities may change faster than the scholarly publication cycle.