Monsoon rains hit Kerala coast

A fifth of India's national income comes from farm production and a good harvest also boosts demand for industrial goods, fueling growth of the broader economy.

The annual monsoon rains hit India's southern coast on Friday, one week ahead of schedule, and will begin sweeping up through the country shortly, weather officials said. The early arrival of the Monsoon in Kerala was expected to benefit millions of farmers, who depend on the rains to nourish their fields.

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A fifth of India's national income comes from farm production and a good harvest also boosts demand for industrial goods, fuelling growth of the broader economy.

Radha Singh, a top official in the Agriculture Ministry, said if the monsoon continues at its current pace, it would help boost crop yields.

Weather officials said the monsoon was quite strong on the southern coast.