Why is the arrival of the southwest monsoon important for farmers?

Correct answer: It helps begin sowing of kharif crops

The southwest monsoon is important to farmers because it brings a large share of the rainfall needed for agriculture in India. Kharif crops such as rice, maize, millets, pulses, and cotton are generally sown around the beginning of the rainy season. When the monsoon arrives at the expected time, farmers receive moisture for preparing fields and starting sowing. The amount and timing of rain still matter, because too little, too much, or delayed rain can create difficulties.

Option A is correct: monsoon onset helps begin the sowing of kharif crops. The other choices contradict the basic effect of summer rainfall. Monsoon rain does not freeze all crops, dry the fields, or increase winter cold. Although irrigation and other water sources are also useful, the question asks why monsoon arrival is important, and its support for rain-fed farming is the central reason. The supplied answer is accurate.