Monsoon Advances Across India: A Crucial Season for Agriculture

The southwest monsoon, crucial for India's agricultural sector, has swiftly covered central, western, and eastern regions, and is expected to reach Delhi by June 22. IMD forecasts indicate imminent rainfall across large parts of northwest India, including Punjab and Haryana, beginning June 20.

Marked by early onset, the monsoon reached Kerala by May 24, its earliest since 2009, and progressed rapidly despite an 18-day stagnation that caused heatwave conditions. Aided by low-pressure systems, it resumed advancing from June 16, expected to cover the rest of the country ahead of normal timelines.

Though the monsoon's onset dates do not directly correlate with seasonal rainfall, it is crucial for agriculture, affecting India's GDP and livelihoods. The IMD forecasts above-normal rainfall except in Ladakh and parts of Northeast India, emphasizing monsoon's role in water supply and power generation.

(With inputs from agencies.)