(a) whether the pattern of monsoon is monitored for educating the farmers about monsoon/weather forecast;  (b) if so, the details thereof indicating the preparedness of the States to tackle poor rainfall situation;  (c) whether the services of local meteorology experts in the rural areas are sought in this regard; and  (d) if so, the details thereof? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)  (a): Yes, Madam. India Meterological Department (IMD) closely monitors the monsoon rainfall pattern and disseminates the information to farmers through mass media on a regular basis.  (b): It is primarily the responsibility of the State Government concerned to take necessary measures in the wake of natural calamities including drought. The Government of India extends financial, logistic and other support.  (c)&(d): Agro-Advisory Services (AAS) of IMD based on 7 days weather forecast have been operating since Monsoon-2005. A weekly National Agro-meteorological Advisory Bulletin on state- wise, crop-specific and region-specific advisories to farmers based on the prevailing rainfall scenario and the coming week’s rainfall forecast outlook is also issued. These weather based advisories are disseminated to the farmers through mass media dissemination ( All India Radio, Doordarshan and Print media) as well as Internet ( web pages of IMD, State Agricultural Universities etc.) through district level intermediaries.