Ludhiana: A team of experts from the Agro-Meteorology Department of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has said that monsoon in the state of Punjab has been well distributed and has been fruitful for the plantation of paddy, sugarcane and horticulture crops.

Monsoon arrived in the state 15 days early in June, much to the delight of the farmers.

According to the experts, at 277.3 mm in June 2008, Ludhiana received the highest rainfall in over 40 years.

"It has been observed that during the last 40 years, in only 15 cases the state has received rainfall above normal and 25 times below normal. The lowest rainfall of 21.2 mm was recorded in 1993", said Dr. G.S. Bains, Head of the Agro-Meteorology Department.

"The south-west regions of the state have received less rainfall as compared to the north-east and central regions which have experienced good monsoon", Dr. Bains added.

K.K. Gill, assistant agro-meteorologist at the varsity said, "The permeating rain water at the lower level soils is a good indication as it would help increase the underground water-level which was depleting in the region at an alarming rate."

"The statistical and dynamic models adopted by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) have generally showed accurate monsoon in Punjab", Dr. Bains said.