Southwest Monsoon rains began in Kerala, India on June 30, 2024, as reported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Typically, monsoon rains start in Kerala around June 1 and spread across the country by mid-July, aiding the planting of major crops like rice, corn, cotton, soybeans, and sugarcane.
- Monsoon rains provide 70% of India’s annual water supply, vital for farming and replenishing water sources.
- About half of India’s farmland relies solely on monsoon rains for irrigation.
- Overall monsoon rainfall this year is predicted to be 106% of the long-term average.
- The IMD classifies normal rainfall as 96% to 104% of a 50-year average of 87 cm (35 inches) for the June-September period.
Q: Which major crops are aided by the monsoon rains in India?
A) Wheat, barley, oats, and rye
B) Rice, corn, cotton, soybeans, and sugarcane
C) Potatoes, tomatoes, onions, and garlic
D) Apples, oranges, bananas, and mangoes
Answer: B) Rice, corn, cotton, soybeans, and sugarcane
Q: What is the 50-year average rainfall for the June-September period, according to the IMD?
A) 70 cm (28 inches)
B) 80 cm (32 inches)
C) 87 cm (35 inches)
D) 100 cm (40 inches)
Answer: C) 87 cm (35 inches)
Q.: By when do the southwest monsoon rains typically spread across the whole country?
A) Mid-June
B) End of June
C) Mid-July
D) End of July
Answer: C) Mid-July
