India, June 4 -- The Southwest Monsoon officially arrived in Kerala on Thursday, a few days after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had forecast its arrival. The onset was delayed by around three days compared to its normal arrival date.

After making landfall in Kerala, the monsoon typically progresses northward in phases, covering most parts of the country by mid-July.

Its arrival is closely watched because of its importance to India's agriculture-dependent economy. According to agriculture ministry, nearly 51% of the country's cultivated land relies on rainfall, contributing about 40% of agricultural production. With almost half of India's population dependent on farming for their livelihood, a healthy monsoon season is consid...