The monsoon, a weather phenomenon that waters more than half of India’s farmland, reached the subcontinent before the usual time, boosting crop outlook and raising hopes the nation will lift remaining curbs on exports of farm goods.The southwest monsoon, which usually begins its journey in Kerala on June 1, arrived eight days earlier in the southern state — the earliest onset since 2009, according to the India Meteorological Department. The weather bureau has predicted above-average rains this year.Precipitation during the June-September season is crucial for spurring India’s economy and keeping food prices under check. Plentiful and timely rains not only help increase production of crops such as rice, soybeans and cotton, but also help fill reservoirs — the main source of irrigation for winter crops like wheat and pulses. Pre-monsoon showers have been above normal and the early onset will shift farm activities at least a week before the usual time, said Ashwini Bansod, vice president, commodities research at PhillipCapital India. Sowing may start early next month instead of mid June, which means an early harvest, she said. Erratic weather in recent years has hit farm output and prompted New Delhi to curb shipments of several commodities. A good monsoon could boost agricultural production and prompt the government to lift the restrictions. India has already removed its ban on several varieties of rice. Higher supplies of grains, pulses, oilseeds, sugar and other commodities may help maintain low food prices, which have gradually fallen from over 10% in October to below 2% in April. India’s hundreds of millions of farmers, together the world’s second-biggest producers of rice, wheat and sugar, rely heavily on the rainy season to irrigate their fields. Sowing of monsoon crops begins in late May, while harvesting starts in September .
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