India: Monsoon Progresses Into Northern Areas

The India Meteorological Department has confirmed the arrival of much anticipated South West Monsoon rains that have advanced over northern parts of India.

The annual monsoons have moved over remaining parts of Punjab and Haryana states and isolated parts of north Rajasthan - all key rice-growing areas - the weather department said on its Website.

India's June-September monsoon season is important for summer-sown crops including oilseeds, rice and sugar cane, as 60% of the fields are rain-fed.