The meteorological department in India has predicted that there will be normal monsoon rains next month that will result in better crops for the country's 234 million farmers.

According to India Meteorological Department's National Climate Centre in Pune, rainfall since June 1 has been 7% above the average recorded between 1941 and 1990.

The met office said India received an average 148.7 mm of rains between June 1 and 27, compared with 138.5 mm, a level considered normal for the period.

It is now estimated that the June-September monsoon rainfall will be 93% of the long-term average, a level which is considered normal.

Good rains are expected immensely boost the prospects for a bigger harvest of rice, lentils and soybean in India.

Below average monsoon had wrecked havoc with India's large agriculture areas two years, resulting in a poll debacle in several states for the ruling Congress government headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The forecast of normal monsoon has cheered the farming community as they are eagerly waiting for the crop season.

Sowing of most early winter-harvested crops, including rice, corn, lentils, soybeans, cotton and sugar cane, begins with the onset of the monsoon.