Monsoon Arrives Early in India, Boosting Kharif Crop Prospects

The southwest monsoon rolled over the whole Indian subcontinent ahead of time in 2025, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirming the earlier onset on June 29. The earliness will be a boon to farm produce, increase sowing of kharif crops, and provide relief from harsh heat conditions in many regions of the nation.

Usually, the monsoon makes a start across the Indian subcontinent with the onset over Kerala on June 1 and finishes its extension across the nation by July 8. This year, however, commenced over Kerala on May 24—the earliest since 2009—and blanketed the entire nation by June 29, nine days before the regular schedule. IMD said the monsoon has advanced to the remaining parts of Rajasthan, West Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Delhi till June 29.

Delhi-NCR witnessed moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and windy weather on the morning of June 30, the beginning of the monsoon season in the city. IMD also predicted heavy to very heavy rain would prevail over most parts such as northwest, central, east, and northeast India in the next seven days. Very heavy rain was predicted in some parts of Jharkhand and Odisha during June 29-30.

The prompt and uniform onset of monsoon rains is of utmost importance to Indian agriculture. It offers a window for kharif sowings of rice, pulses, and coarse cereals, which are highly dependent upon monsoon rains because not much irrigation facilities are available. Heavy rainfall also recharges levels of groundwater as well as the reservoirs central to both rabi and kharif crop cycles.

India will see 106% of the long-period average (LPA) June to September monsoon season rainfall of 87 cm, or an above-normal monsoon, according to IMD's seasonal forecast. Normal rainfall would be from 96–104% of the LPA. The central region of India and southern peninsular India will gain from the spatial distribution of rain.

An early and strong monsoon not only matters for cultivation but also has broader economic consequences. Bumper farm production has the capacity to alleviate food supply constraints, lower the threat of food price inflation, and assist overall rural household income to increase. For a nation where a good proportion of its residents are involved in tillage, regular and sufficient rainfall is a solution to food security as well as to financial stability.

The premature onset this year is the quickest monsoon advancement since 2020 when it also reached the entire nation on June 26. In contrast, the monsoon had already advanced to Delhi on June 28 in 2022, June 25 in 2023, June 30 in 2022, and as late as July 13 in 2021. This fluctuation emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring and flexible planning in agriculture.

Early monsoon provides an opportunity to reverse the recent failures in agriculture because of unstable weather trends. The water retained in reservoirs during monsoon is a necessity for rabi crops sown during winter, with a stable water supply during the dry season. Timely rain ensures timely sowing schedules, lessens the expense of irrigation, and enhances the possibility of a better crop.

Rainfall patterns will still be watched carefully in the upcoming weeks. No premature beginning, though, is better than normal season rainfall in order to maximize farm returns. States of heavy rainfall Jharkhand and Odisha will have to deal with excess rainfall so that plants are not damaged or local flooding happens.

Apart from supporting agriculture, early and first monsoon rains also decrease reliance on groundwater, enhance hydropower generation, and maintain drinking water levels sufficient in urban and rural economies. The cumulative effect can minimize pressure on state resources and enhance macroeconomic measures like inflation and rural demand.

The 2025 monsoon would be crucial to gauge the performance of India's agricultural sector, particularly following brutal summer conditions. First rains have already begun to cool temperatures above ground, giving instant relief in heat-hit regions. Consistent rain will play a key role to assist sowing activities and maintain agricultural revival in major agriculture states. 

Source & Credits
This article is derived from content published by Outlook Planet Desk, using the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and The Hindu and Bloomberg reports' quotes. Article last updated on 30 June 2025.