According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), despite the initial withdrawal from west Rajasthan, an incoming Low-Pressure System (LPS) might delay the monsoon's exit from certain areas in the north and northwest regions of India.

IMD announces southwest monsoon withdrawal from parts of west Rajasthan and Gujarat, setting stage for rabi crop sowing.

The southwest monsoon generally kicks off in June and starts to retreat by September 17. However, the rains continued this year, which helped to replenish reservoirs but damaged the harvesting of some crops.

India had received a cumulative rainfall surplus of 5 per cent, with nearly all regions reporting above-average precipitation. But rainfall caused by the southwest monsoon has fallen short of the long period average in eastern and northeastern states,

The normal date for monsoon to begin withdrawal from extreme northwest India regions is 17 September, but due to successive weather systems developed in recent days, the monsoon has been active throughout September.

Overall sowing of kharif crops such as paddy, pulses, oilseeds, coarse cereals and sugarcane have been up 1.5% on year at 110.46 million hectare (MH) so far.

India's Kharif crop sowing has seen a 1.5% year-on-year increase, reaching 1,104.63 lakh hectares. Key crops such as paddy, pulses, and oilseeds have shown growth while cotton and jute/mesta have lagged.

India's monsoon rains have started retreating from the northwest, nearly a week later than usual, according to the India Meteorological Department. The extended rains have replenished reservoirs but damaged some crops ready for harvest.

The IMD predicts that widespread rainfall will continue over parts of Gujarat and western India throughout the week, which could delay the withdrawal in those areas