Monsoon covers almost all parts of Tamil Nadu

IMD sasy rain has entered Karnataka, southern most parts of Andhra Pradesh

The southwest monsoon ventured into Karnataka on Monday, maintaining a steady pace of progress after it first touched down on the mainland, Kerala coast, on June 1.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the rains have covered almost all parts of Tamil Nadu and have entered Karnataka and southern-most parts of Andhra Pradesh. The IMD has predicted rains all over the country will be normal this year, with showers equivalent to 98 per cent of the long period average.

A good southwest monsoon is not only vital for healthy production of main kharif crops rice, pulses, oilseeds and sugarcane, but is also necessary for providing adequate moisture to the soil for a good output in the rabi season. The rains also have a big role in reviving economic growth.

"The initial report on monsoon has been excellent. Now, it would be critical to see how the monsoon progresses over the rest of India. The  sectoral distribution of the rains would be important. Favorable reports on the weather front have ensured Agri prices crashing over the last few weeks and especially over the weekend The Inflation dipped to a 40 month low of 5.96% in March and came down further to 4.89% in April – and could be expected to fall even further," Religare Retail Research said in a note on Monday.