India’s annual monsoon rains have covered the entire country on Tuesday, six days ahead of the usual time of arrival, according to the state-run weather department. However, the rain totals so far this season are still 7% below the average.
Typically, the monsoon rains start in the southwestern coastal state of Kerala around June 1 and then move northwards to cover the entire country by July 8. This year, the monsoon has spread nationwide by the end of the first week of July, allowing farmers to plant key crops such as rice, cotton, soybeans and sugarcane.
Despite the early arrival, the India Meteorological Department stated that the country is likely to receive above-average rainfall in July, after receiving 11% below-average showers in June. This keeps alive the possibility of higher farm output and economic growth.
The timely and widespread arrival of the monsoon rains is crucial for the third-largest Asian economy, as it supports agricultural production, which accounts for about 15% of India’s $2.7 trillion economy and employs nearly half of the country’s workforce.
The early onset of the monsoon season allows farmers to start planting their crops at the optimal time, which can improve yield and contribute to India’s overall economic growth. The weather department’s forecast of above-average rainfall in July further bolsters the prospects for a strong agricultural season in the country.