India's monsoon rains in the week ending on Wednesday were above average for the second time since the start of the season on June 1, helping farmers accelerate the planting of summer-sown crops and easing concerns of drought.

Monsoon rains are crucial for farm output and economic growth, as about 55 percent of India's arable land is rain-fed, and agriculture forms about 15 percent of a $2.5 trillion economy that is the third biggest in Asia.

India received 42 percent more rainfall than the 50-year average in the week to July 31, data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) showed.

Overall, India has received 9 percent less rain than average in the first half of June-September monsoon season.