New Delhi, July 10 -- Early July rains have eased immediate concerns over this year's southwest monsoon after a parched June, but risks to agriculture and the rural economy remain as uneven rainfall, delayed sowing and lingering El Nino conditions continue to cloud the outlook, according to a Crisil Quickonomics report released on Friday.

The report said the recent spell of heavy rainfall has brought relief after June's sharp rainfall deficit, but cautioned that the improvement should not be seen as an all-clear for the kharif season.

"Despite this copious downpour, the outlook remains far from clear," the report said. It added that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast July rainfall at 6 per cent below the long-period ...