Staggered withdrawal of monsoon likely to lift rabi sowing prospects

But excess rainfall now could be detrimental for early sown kharif crops

Staggered withdrawal of the southwest monsoon will not only benefit the standing kharif crops, but also help improve the moisture level in the soil. This, in return, should facilitate the early sowing of rabi crops, such as wheat, chana and mustard.
 
Excess showers in parts of Madhya Pradesh at the fag end of the monsoon season, however, are said to be hurting soybean crops.
 
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday said that the withdrawal of the southwest monsoon has started from western Rajasthan, after a delay of almost eight days.
 
But it further said fresh weather