Monsoon Update: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Wednesday (May 15) that the southwest monsoon is expected to hit Kerala around May 31. The southwest monsoon usually enters Kerala on June 1. After this it usually moves northwards and covers the entire country around July 15.
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According to news agency PTI, the IMD said, “This year, the southwest monsoon is expected to reach Kerala on May 31.” IMD Director General Mrityunjay Mohapatra said on Wednesday, “This is not early. It is close to the normal date as the normal date of onset of monsoon in Kerala is June 1.”
Last month, the IMD had forecast above-normal rainfall during the southwest monsoon season that runs from June to September. June and July are considered the most important monsoon months for agriculture as most of the kharif crop sowing takes place during this period.
This time it will rain more than normal
At the same time, the India Meteorological Department has predicted above average monsoon rainfall in 2024, which is good news for the country’s agriculture sector. Last year, the agriculture sector was affected by irregular weather. M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, said that the monsoon usually arrives in Kerala around June 1 and goes back in mid-September. This year the average rainfall is expected to be 106 percent.
Monsoon plays an important role in the Indian economy
Ravichandran said in a press conference, the forecast shows that monsoon seasonal rainfall during June to September is likely to be 106 per cent of the long-term average. IMD chief Mrityunjay Mahapatra said that El Nino, which disrupts the monsoon, is weakening and will be gone by the time the monsoon arrives. La Nina causes more rainfall in India. It will be established by August. Monsoon plays an important role in the Indian economy.
Nearly 50 per cent of the country’s agricultural land has no other means of irrigation. Monsoon rains are also important for recharging the country’s reservoirs and aquifers, from which water can be used to irrigate crops later in the year. India has emerged as a major exporter of food grains, but agricultural production was affected last year due to erratic monsoon. This led to curbing overseas shipments of sugar, rice, wheat and onions to increase supply and keep prices under control. Strong growth in the agricultural sector helps keep inflation under control.
