NEW DELHI, May 1 -- As global risks threaten growth and stoke inflation, early signs of strong pre-monsoon rainfall could provide a domestic cushion by boosting farm output and easing food prices.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday forecast above-normal rainfall in May and a timely arrival of the southwest monsoon over the Andaman and Nicobar Islands-developments that could lift rural demand, support farm output and add momentum to economic growth.

"Our forecasting system show that conditions for the arrival of the south-west monsoon are becoming favourable between May 15 and 20," said Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, director general, IMD, while adding that the country is likely to receive above-normal rains in May.

The weather ...