India's monsoon rains are predicted to arrive on May 27, five days earlier than usual and the earliest in at least five years, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This early monsoon onset is expected to benefit the country’s $4 trillion economy by boosting agricultural output, particularly for key crops like rice, corn, soybean, cotton, and sugarcane. The June-September monsoon season delivers about 70% of India’s annual rainfall, essential for irrigation and replenishing water sources, especially given that nearly half the country's farmland relies solely on these rains. This year's monsoon follows a strong performance in 2024 and is forecasted to bring above-average rainfall in 2025 for the second consecutive year. The favorable forecast also eases food supply concerns amid ongoing military tensions with Pakistan. An early and abundant monsoon will enable earlier planting, potentially leading to a bumper harvest and stabilizing global rice prices, where India plays a leading export role. Reuters
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