As the most important crop of Mexico, maize began to be sowed about September in the northwest. In other areas of the country the crop was at growing stage between July and September and reached harvest in October. Winter wheat sowing began in October. Both soybean and rice were at harvesting stage over the reporting period.

Crop condition was close to average between July to October according to crop condition development graph based on NDVI. The CropWatch agroclimatic indicators show that temperature (+0.4°C) and RADPAR (+3%) were close to average and rainfall was more significantly up (+16%) had significantly increased, which was beneficial for crop growth, as indicated by a relatively high value of maximum VCI (0.87). CALF decreased by 4%, compared with the previous 5-year average. BIOMSS increased by 3% compared to average

Crop condition displayed obvious differences in spatial distribution. According to the spatial pattern of maximum VCI, very high values (greater than 1.0) occurred mainly in southeastern Mexico (including Coahuila and northern Nuevo León) whereas extremely low values (less than 0.5) occurred in the North-east and middle of the country (Baja California, Baja California Sur, Sonora and Chihuahua). The maximum VCI in other regions of Mexico was moderate, with the values between 0.5 and 1.0. As shown in the spatial NDVI profiles and distribution map, about 25.2% of the total cropped area was above average during the entire monitoring period, with 34.5% being just slightly below average.

Regional analysis 

Based on cropping systems, climatic zones, and topographic conditions, Mexico is divided into four agro-ecological regions. These regions including Arid and semi-arid regions (82), Humid tropics with summer rainfall (83), Sub-humid temperate region with summer rains (84) and Sub-humid hot tropics with summer rains (85). Regional analyses of crop situation can provide more detail for the production situation in Mexico. 

The Arid and semi-arid regions located in northern and central Mexico, account for about half of planted areas in the country. According to the NDVI development graph, crop condition in these regions was generally below average during July to October. Although the maximum VCI was relatively low with a value of 0.77 and CALF decreased by 9% compared with average, rainfall temperature, RADPAR increased by 29% ,0.6°C,2%. which made the incline of BIOMSS(+2%). On the whole, crop was growing well in these regions.

Sub-humid temperate region with summer rains situated in central Mexico. Crop condition in these regions were closed to average from July to August but were below average since September. The agro-climatic condition showed that rainfall, temperature and radiation increased by 28%, 0.3°C and 2% compared to average, BIOMSS also increased by 3%. Cropping intensity was 100%. The maximum VCI (0.97) confirmed favorable crop condition in these regions.

Sub-humid hot tropics with summer rains are located respectively in southern. During the monitoring period, crop condition was continuously below average in these regions, as shown by the NDVI time profiles. Agroclimatic conditions showed that rainfall was significantly above average (+14%) while temperature and RADPAR were near average (+0.5°C and +3%).The Maximum VCIx in these areas was 0.93 and BIOMSS increased by 4%, which meant crop grew well.

Humid tropics with summer rainfall located in southeastern Mexico. Rainfall was significantly above average (+14%),average temperature was 0.8℃ warmer and RADPAR up 4%.%. As shown in the NDVI development graph, crop condition was below average from July to September and improved to average in October. BIOMSS increased (+5%) and the Maximum VCI (0.97) confirmed favorable crop condition in these regions.

Figure 3.29. Mexico’s crop condition, July - October2019

(a). Phenology of major crops

(b) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI	(c)  Maximum VCI
(d) Spatial NDVI patterns compared to 5YA	(e) NDVI profiles

(h) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI (Arid and semi-arid regions (left) and Humid tropics with summer rainfall (right))

(g) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI (Sub-humid temperate region with summer rains (left) and Sub-humid hot tropics with summer rains (right))

Table 3. 34. Mexico’s agronomic indicators by sub-nationalregions, current season's values and departure from15YA, July-October 2019

Table 3. 35. Mexico’s agronomicindicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure, July-October 2019