The reporting period covers the sowing and growing stages of maize and the growth and harvest of wheat. Crop condition was favorable. The national average VCIx was 0.99, and the cropped arable land fraction increased by 18%. Among the Crop Watch agro-climatic indicators, RADPAR was below  average (-3%). TEMP was above average in late April and July and generally below during other months, resulting in a 0.5°C drop for the whole period.  RAIN reached 208 mm, more than double (+105%) the average (101mm). The BIOMSS index rose just 5%, being limited by sunshine. As shown by the NDVI development graph, crop condition was above the five-year average in April and slightly lower than average and close to the last year from late May to July. NDVI cluster graphs and profiles show that 57.2% of the agriculture areas had above five year average condition from April to May in most parts of the four eastern provinces (Namangan, Andijon, Quqon and Farghona), where most wheat is produced and in some parts of Guliston, Tashkent, Jizzakh, Samarqand, Nawoiy, Qarshi, Termez, Bukhoro, Urganch and Nukus provinces. Overall, crop condition was favorable. 

Regional analysis

In the Eastern hilly cereals region, NDVI was above the five-year maximum in April and slightly below from June to July. RAIN was up 107% while TEMP and RADPAR were below average (-0.6°C and -3%, respectively). The combination of the factors resulted in a small BIOMSS increase (+2%). The maximum VCI was 1.02, and the cropped arable land fraction increased by 24% compared to the recent five-year average. Overall crop prospects are favorable.

The Aral Sea cotton region, Crop condition was close to the five-year average in early April and late June and slightly below in other period. Accumulated rainfall and TEMP were above average (37% and 0.6°C) but sunshine dropped (RADPAR -2%). The BIOMSS index increased by 16% compared to average. The maximum VCI index was 0.89 and the fraction of cropped arable land (CALF) dropped 15% compared to the previous five years. Yields may be fair but production is down due to low CALF.

Figure 3.43.Uzbekistan crop condition, April 2019 – July 2019

(a). Phenology of major crops

(b)Crop condition development graph based on NDVI

(c)Maximum VCI

(d) Spatial NDVIpatterns compared to 5YA                (e) NDVIprofiles

(f)Crop condition development graph based on NDVI Cotton region

(g)Crop condition development graph based on NDVI Eastern hilly cereals region

(h)Crop condition development graph based on NDVI Central region with sparse crops

 Table 3.112.Uzbekistan’s agroclimatic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 15YA, April 2019 – July 2019

 Table 3.113.Uzbekistan’s agronomic indicators by sub-national regions, current season'svalues and departure from 5YA/15YA, April 2019 – July 2019