New Delhi: The Southwest monsoon on Friday made progress and advanced over the Southeast Bay of Bengal, Nicobar Islands, and South Andaman Sea, an event crucial for the arrival of the Monsoon.

The four-month rainy season holds great significance for the agricultural economy of the country.

The weather office had previously mentioned that the onset of monsoon over Kerala, which marks its entry into the mainland, would be slightly delayed than the usual date of June 1.

The India Meteorological Department has announced that the Southwest Monsoon has made progress and advanced into certain areas of the southeast Bay of Bengal, Nicobar Islands, and South Andaman Sea.

According to the department, the weather conditions are favourable for the monsoon to further advance into additional parts of the south Bay of Bengal, Andaman Sea, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands in the next 3-4 days.

The agricultural sector plays a significant role, contributing approximately 15 percent to India's 3.5 trillion-dollar economy.

A favourable monsoon season is crucial for this sector as it helps replenish aquifers and reservoirs while providing essential water for farming.

However, concerns have arisen regarding the impact of the El Nino weather pattern on monsoon rainfall in 2023.

El Nino refers to the warming of Pacific Ocean waters near South America and is often associated with weakened monsoon winds and dry conditions in India.

This year, the emergence of El Nino conditions follows three consecutive La Nina years. La Nina, the opposite of El Nino, typically brings abundant rainfall during the monsoon season.

The presence of El Nino raises uncertainties regarding the upcoming monsoon and its impact on agricultural productivity.

The Indian agricultural sector closely monitors such weather patterns as they have a significant bearing on the country's food production and overall economic performance.