Monsoon rains to hit southern Indian coast early, spurring crop planting

Monsoon rains are expected to hit India's southern coast on May 26, five days earlier than usual. This is likely to spur early planting of crops such as rice, corn, soybean, and sugarcane. The monsoon is expected to set in over the southern state of Kerala on May 26, with a margin of error of four days. The monsoon is essential to India's economy, delivering almost 70% of the rainfall needed to water farms and replenish aquifers and reservoirs.