India monsoon slows, below-average rain

India>>> is expected to receive below-average rainfall over the next two weeks, primarily in its central and northern regions. This is attributed to 'western disturbances' slowing the annual monsoon's progress and the emergence of El Niño–Southern Oscillation>>>. The monsoon, which delivers about 70% of India>>>'s annual rains and is vital for its agriculture-dependent economy, saw a three-day delay in its onset over India — Kerala>>> this year. While southern states like India — Kerala>>>, India — Tamil Nadu>>>, India — Andhra Pradesh>>>, India — Karnataka>>>, and parts of southern India — Maharashtra>>> are expected to receive good rainfall, central and northern regions face significantly below-normal rainfall. This could delay the planting of summer-sown crops such as Rice>>>, Cotton>>>, Soybean oil>>>, and Pulse>>>. However, the Malaysia — Malaysian Meteorological Department>>> anticipates the monsoon to gain momentum in the last week of June, with most states receiving ample rainfall, suggesting that early July rains could mitigate the impact on crop planting.