India Sees Monsoon Rains Starting Early, Aiding Crop Planting

India expects its monsoon rains to arrive early this year, offering some relief for farmers who rely on the rains for timely sowing of crops like rice and soybeans.

The June-September rainy period will begin on May 26 in the sourthern state of Kerala, according to a statement from the India Meteorological Department. If realized, that would be the second earliest start date in data through 2020.