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Monsoon has made an early onset over Kerala and most parts of northeast India on May 30, two days ahead of its normal onset date of June 1. The monsoon core zone, which includes most of the rainfed agriculture areas in the country, is expected to receive above normal rainfall.
The early onset of the monsoon is attributed to the active Bay of Bengal arm of the monsoon, which has been boosted by the severe cyclone Remal. Extremely heavy rainfall has been recorded over northeastern states in the past two days.
The onset of the monsoon is an important indicator of the transition from hot and dry season to a rainy season. As the monsoon progresses northward, it brings relief from scorching summer temperatures over the areas.
Monsoon rainfall over the country between June to September is likely to be "above normal" at 106% of long period average (LPA). This is good news for the agriculture sector, as 51% of India’s farmed area is rain-fed.
A bountiful monsoon has a direct correlation with a healthy rural economy, as 47% of the country’s population depends on agriculture for their livelihood.
Source: Monsoon hits Kerala and Northeast two days earlier than usual: IMD