New Delhi, June 29 -- The monsoon covered entire India on Sunday (29 June), nine days ahead of schedule, and heavy rains are likely in many parts of the country, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said, bringing relief from oppressive heat, and boosting kharif sowing.

The timing and intensity of monsoon rains would significantly impact Kharif crops such as paddy, maize, oilseeds and pulses.

India's farm sector is heavily dependent on the June-September southwest monsoon season, which delivers nearly 70% of the country's annual precipitation and irrigates almost 50% of the net sown area. A good monsoon generally leads to higher crop yields and helps tamp down inflation.

This year, monsoon arrived in Kerala on 24 May, eight days b...