Mongolia only grows summer crops from May to September. The crops are normally harvested in September, but due to cold conditions (lower than 5.0°C) in May of last spring, the sowing and planting were delayed; therefore, harvest of last summer crops took place in October only. TEMP was near the fifteen-year average (+0.4°C) during this reporting season, and it was warmer (+3.0°C) than average at the beginning of November. 

Nationwide, according to CropWatch agro-climatic indicators, the weather was humid and slightly cloudier (RAIN up +28% and RADPAR down -1%). The increased precipitation may benefit early sowing, in the primary agriculture regions of Selenge-Onon, Khangai-Khuvsgul, and Central and Eastern Steppe. The agro-climatic condition resulted in an increase in the BIOMSS index by 2% above the five-year average. The abundant rainfall will benefit the planting of spring crops. 

Regional analysis

The primary crop condition in the Khangai Khuvsgul reegion was higher than the five-year average in mid and late October and lower in November. Accumulated rainfall was above average (RAIN +33%). Compared to the average, TEMP was up by 0.6°C and RADPAR was down by 2%. The BIOMSS index increased by 1% compared to the fifteen-year average in this region. 

In the Selenge‐Onon region, RAIN was up by 27%, while TEMP was average, and RADPAR was slightly lower (-2%). The BIOMSS index decreased by 2% of fifteen-year average. The agro-climate condition was almost average. 

 In the Central and Eastern Steppe Region, the meteorological variables were above average: RAIN +33% and TEMP +0.6°C.  RADPAR increased slightly above average. BIOMSS(+7%) showed an above average potential biomass. 

Figure 3.30 Mongolia’s crop condition, October 2019 - January 2020

(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

(f) Time series rainfall profile

(g) Time series temperature profile

(h) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI (Altai Region (left) and Gobi Desert Region (right))

(i) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI (Hangai Khuvsgul Region (left) and Selenge Onon Region (right))

(j) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI (Central and Eastern Steppe Region) 

Table 3.51 Country’s agro climatic indicators by sub‐national regions, current season's values and departure from 15YA, October 2019 – January 2020 

Table 3.52 Country’s agronomic indicators by sub‐national regions, current season's values and departure from 15YA/5YA, October 2019 – January 2020