No crops were cultivated in most of the country during the monitoring period, except that only the limited amounts of winter rye and wheat in southern areas are grown during this period. Compared to the fifteen-year average, accumulated rainfall and temperature were both above average (RAIN +15%, TEMP +1.8°C), while radiation was slightly below average (RADPAR -2%). Furthermore, rainfall of more than 20 mm above average in the middle of October, early November and the end of January improved soil moisture conditions. Favorable agro-climatic conditions resulted in an increase in the BIOMSS index by 8% above average. The abundant rainfall will benefit the planting of forthcoming spring crops. 

Overall, the agro-climate conditions are favorable in the monitoring period.

Regional analysis

Based on cropping systems, climatic zones and topographic conditions, four sub-national agro-ecological regions can be distinguished for Kazakhstan, among which three are relevant for crop cultivation: the Northern region (112), the Eastern plateau and southeastern region (111) and the South region (110).

In the Northern region, the accumulated rainfall (RAIN +23%) and temperature (TEMP +2.5°C) were above average, but RADPAR was below average (-3%). The agro-climatic indicators resulted in an increase of the BIOMSS index by 11%.

Agro-climatic conditions in the Eastern plateau and southeastern region were normal in the report period. RAIN and TEMP were above average (7% and 0.5°C, respectively), while RADPAR was close to average. BIOMSS (up 2%) was slightly above average.

The South region received the less rainfall of (116 mm) than the other two regions, which was 12% below the fifteen-year average. TEMP and RADPAR were above average (0.8°C and 2%). The combination of agro-climatic indicators resulted in an increase of the BIOMSS index by 12%. The rainfall deficit in this region should not a have negative impact  on winter crops due to the low water requirements in this period. 

 Figure 3.18. Kazakhstan crop condition, October 2019–January 2020

 (a) Phenology of major crops

(b) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI    (c) Maximum VCI

(d) Rainfall Index                                                 (e) Temperature Index 

(f) Spatial NDVI patterns compared to 5YA        (g) NDVI profiles

Table 3.41. Kazakhstan agroclimatic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 15YA, October 2019–January 2020

Table 3.42. Kazakhstan,agronomic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 5YA, October 2019–January 2020