Science and Technology Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan today said India Metrological Department, IMD has provided weather-related information to more than 1.15 crore farmers last year through SMS, agri-portal and website. <br/><br/>He said, the information has helped farmers in reducing the devastating impact of the erratic rainfall on the kharif crops. <br/><br/>Addressing the foundation day function of IMD in New Delhi, Dr Harsh Vardhan said, currently the department is providing agromet service in 130 districts of the country and every district will be covered during next three years.<br/><br/>On the occasion, the Minister also inaugurated the new user-friendly website of India Metrological Department and dedicated the System of Aerosol Monitoring and Research (SAMAR) to the nation. <br/><br/>SAMAR, is a network of 16 Aethalometers, 12 Sky radiometers and 12 Nephelometers to study black-carbon concentration, aerosol radiative properties, environmental visibility respectively and their climatological impacts.