The southwest monsoon is set to arrive over the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Islands by the week's end. This marks a timely start to India's crucial rainfall season. However, the India Meteorological Department forecasts below-average rainfall for the country. The monsoon's arrival is vital for agriculture, impacting crops like paddy, pulses and oilseeds.

The southwest monsoon is set to arrive over the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Islands by the week's end. This marks a timely start to India's crucial rainfall season. However, the…

IMD forecasts southwest monsoon to begin in Kerala on May 26, slightly earlier than the usual June 1 onset.