Indian monsoon: 10 facts you may want to know
A good monsoon is important for India as two-thirds of the population depend on farm sector.
New Delhi (Big Wire) Indian monsoon is forecast to be a surplus this year in the absence of El Nino effect, reviving hopes of a drought free summer season after a gap of two years.
Here are some important facts you need to know about the monsoon.
1. Onset:
The monsoon rains arrive over Kerala coast in the South India around June 1, marking a formal start of India’s summer rain season.
2. Progress:
The wind bearing rain, known as the monsoon, moves from southern parts to the western region. 
3. Coverage:
The monsoon covers the Southern India by the first week of June, then progresses towards the North and covers the half of the country’s landmass by mid-June. It covers the entire India by mid-July.
4. Forecast:
India Meteorological Department provides regular short to medium term forecasts during the June-September season.
IMD releases the first forecast in April and subsequently keeps updating the forecast with the progress of the season.
5. Classification:
An average or normal monsoon means rainfall between 96-104 percent of a 50-year average of 89 centimetres during the four-month season from June.
Rainfall below 90 percent of the average is considered a drought as happened in the previous two years.
6. Crops:
Sowing of summer crops like rice, cotton, cane and soybean triggers with the progress of monsoon rainfall.
7. Reservoir:
Monsoon rains replenish country’s main reservoirs during the summer season. Monsoon supplies water to irrigation and hydropower generation projects.
8. Farm Output:
The monsoon holds the key to a higher farm output and economic growth. The farm sector shares around 14 percent towards the national economy.
9. Irrigation:
Surplus rainfall can reduce demand for subsidised diesel, used to pump water from wells for irrigation.
10. Gold:
The monsoon season influences gold demand in India, the world’s top consumer of the yellow metal, as purchases get a boost when farm incomes rise amid high crop output.
Big Wire
