Monsoon Momentum

India's monsoon has arrived early ~ and for once, the country may finally catch a break.

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The southwest monsoon, which typically blankets the subcontinent by July 8, has covered the entire country nine days ahead of schedule this year. This early onset, coupled with above-average rainfall so far in June, offers a rare alignment of climatic good fortune and agricultural need. The timing could not be better. With no election on the horizon till the year end, the nation's focus can now turn to securing economic momentum.

Agriculture remains the backbone of rural livelihoods and still employs over 40 per cent of India's workforce. More critically, close to half of India's cultivable land is rainfed. A timely and generous monsoon makes the difference between economic resilience and rural distress.