Monsoon rains have advanced to cover about half of India, bringing relief to drought-hit areas and brightening prospects for summer crops.
The monsoon is progressing about two to three days ahead of schedule in most parts except the eastern region, said D. Sivananda Pai, head of the long-range forecasting division of the state-run India Meteorological Department.
He said the rainfall may intensify over the next three to four days because of strong wind currents.
The monsoon arrived on time this year over the mainland through the southern state of Kerala on June 1, brightening the outlook for agriculture. The weather department has predicted "normal rains" this year.
Nearly a quarter of India was hit by drought last year due to the late arrival of monsoon rains. But this year, the rainfall is on track.
Total rainfall in India was 23% above the 50-year average between June 1-12, according to the weather department.The monsoon usually covers the entire country by mid-July.
The June-September monsoon is significant for the overall economy, as most farmland is rain-dependent and more than half of the nation's workforce is employed in agriculture.
