New Delhi, May 27 -- India is expected to witness an 'above-normal' monsoon in 2025, which could provide significant relief to the economy and policymakers. A healthy and well-distributed monsoon can help ease inflationary pressures and boost rural consumption.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) declared the arrival of monsoon in India on May 24, eight days ahead of its normal date schedule of June 1. According to the IMD, the southwest monsoon hit Kerala on Saturday, May 24. Monsoon hit Mumbai on May 26, 16 days earlier than usual. According to IMD, it was the earliest onset on monsoon in Mumbai since 1950.

Monsoon is crucial for India's agriculture sector, which supports the livelihood of about 42 per cent of the population and...