2013 monsoon delivers 6% more rains than normal

Strengthens prospects of bumper farm output that could boost farmers' earnings

India received 6% higher rainfall than normal in the 2013 monsoon season ended on September 30, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Tuesday, strengthening prospects of a bumper farm output that could boost farmers' earnings.

Monsoon rains are vital for 55% of the country's farmlands that lack irrigation facilities, and can make the difference between India being an exporter or importer of staples such as rice and sugar.

There was excessive rainfall over 48% of total area from June to September, while 38% area received normal rains, the IMD said on its website.

Rainfall was deficient in 14% of the total area.

Agriculture accounts for 15% of gross domestic product in Asia's third-largest economy, where more than 800 million people live in rural areas. Ample harvests also help keep a lid on food inflation, now running in double digits.