Overview

• The southwest monsoon covered India nine days ahead of the July 8 norm after landing in Kerala on May 24
• June rainfall measured nearly 9% above the long-term average, improving soil moisture across major farm regions
• Kharif sowing area climbed 11% year-on-year by the end of June, with rice transplantation surging 47% to 3.5 million hectares
• Robust early showers are expected to temper food inflation and bolster rural incomes, easing pressure on monetary policy
• Experts caution that uneven rainfall distribution could trigger waterlogging and crop diseases, underscoring the need for improved forecasting and adaptive infrastructure