India's Monsoon Arrives Ahead of Schedule, Promises Agricultural Boost

Monsoon rains in India are set to cover the entire country by the weekend, allowing farmers in northern states to begin planting summer-sown crops a week earlier than usual, as per a Reuters report.

Monsoon Progress

Despite the delay in the onset of monsoon rains due to the formation of severe cyclone Biparjoy in the Arabian Sea, the rains resumed over the weekend. As of Tuesday, they had reached all parts of the country except for some areas in the northern states of Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana.

See Also: Tata Group’s Air India-Vistara Merger Under CCI Scrutiny: Report

Impact on Agriculture

The monsoon, which delivers nearly 70% of the rain needed for India’s farms and to recharge reservoirs and aquifers, is crucial for the country’s $3 trillion economy. The revival of rains has reduced the rainfall deficit for the June-September season to 23% from 33% a week ago. The planting of paddy, cotton, soybean, pulses, and other summer-sown crops, which was delayed, is expected to gain momentum this week.

Weather Forecast

Many northeastern, central, and northern states are likely to receive heavy rainfall this week, which would bring the deficit below 20%. Despite the formation of an El Nino weather pattern, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast an average amount of rainfall for the entire four-month season.

Read Next: If Your Dad Invested ₹10,000 In Tata Motors A Decade Ago, Here’s How Much You’d Have Today