New Delhi, July 17 -- After nearly a week of subdued monsoon activity, rainfall is set to revive across the northwest plains from 20 July, bringing relief to farmers and improving prospects for kharif sowing.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast fairly widespread to widespread rainfall over Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi during 20-22 July.

Rainfall is also expected to intensify over east and west Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan during the same period, bringing the entire northwest plains under an active monsoon spell, the weather bureau said.

The revival comes at a crucial stage of the kharif season after nearly a week of subdued rainfall across the region. Fresh showers are expected to replenish soil moisture, sup...