B.p. Yadav

India saw 18 percent more rain than average in the week ended Aug. 6, the weather office said on Thursday, raising hopes for a better end to the four-month monsoon season after a dry start.

India's monsoon rains reached the southern Kerala coast on Friday, weather officials said, offering relief to farmers who have been waiting eagerly for the start of the wet season that is crucial for their summer crops.

The annual rains are crucial for farm output and economic growth as about 55% of the arable land is rain-fed.

India saw 18 percent more rain than average in the week ended Aug. 6, the weather office said on Thursday, raising hopes for a better end to the four-month monsoon season after a dry start.

India's monsoon rains reached the southern Kerala coast on Friday, weather officials said, offering relief to farmers who have been waiting eagerly for the start of the wet season that is crucial for their summer crops.

The annual rains are crucial for farm output and economic growth as about 55% of the arable land is rain-fed.