Statsguru: Six charts explain why monsoon is so important for economy

In the second year of the Covid-19 pandemic, the monsoon rains shortly expected to hit India may have more riding on them than ever before.

The rural economy was a saving grace for India’s 2020 gross domestic product numbers, which saw a rare recession not led by an agricultural shock. Three earlier ones in 1957-58, 1965-66 and 1979-80 were led by agricultural distress. Agriculture was a key bright spot of growth in 2020-21.

An even more virulent second wave means that economic growth, income and employment will again depend on agriculture to a large extent. 

The India Meteorological Department expects