Vietnam is the world’s second largest exporter of rice.  This monitoring period covers the growth of the 10th month rice (minor winter paddy crop), as well as the sowing of winter and spring rice. Crop condition development graph based on NDVI were mostly below average, especially from November 2019 to January 2020. The spatial NDVI patterns compared to the five-year average indicated that 29.1% of the regions was above average, with below average values in the other regions. CropWatch indicators were as follows: RADPAR (+11%), CALF (1.0), temperature (+0.4°C), BIOMSS (+1%) and VCIx (0.97). However, total rainfall (416mm) was below average by 28%. Overall, the crop conditions for the country are unsatisfactory.

Regional analysis

Based on cropping systems, climatic zones and topographic conditions, the following agro-ecological zones (AEZ) can be distinguished for Vietnam: North Central Coast, North East, Red River Delta, South East, South Central Coast, North West, Central highlands, Mekong River Delta.

In the Central Highlands both RAIN and TEMP were below average (-43% and -0.4°C, respectively), while RADPAR was above16%. Although rainfall is below normal, high VCIx( 0.99) values and cropped arable land fraction(1.0) resulted in a  BIOMSS increase by 2%.

The situation in the Mekong River Delta was conditioned by low precipitation (RAIN -34%),  average temperature (TEMP +0.2℃) and abundant sunshine (RADPAR +12%). BIOMSS was above average (+8%). VCIx (0.95) and CALF (+0.3%) described fair to good condition. The crop condition development graph based on NDVI showed that crop condition was closed to the 5 years average. Output is likely to be about average.

Mostly unfavorable climatic conditions dominated the North Central Coast over the reporting period. Rainfall was 30% below average. Temperature (+0.7℃), CALF(+3%) and RADPAR (+14%) were all above average, but BIOMSS was unchanged.

North East recorded 450 mm of rainfall over four months (RAIN +22%). Temperature(+0.9℃) and RADPAR was average. A decrease in BIOMSS by 5% as compared to the 5 year average was calculated. The NDVI profile confirmed that the crop  conditions were close to average.

North West recorded low RAIN (-13%), above average RADPAR (+11%) and temperature (+0.8℃). As a result BIOMSS increased by 4% compared with average (15YA). VCIx (0.98) and CALF(1.0) were high. The crop condition development graph of NDVI indicated below average crop condition from October 2019 to January 2020.

In the Red River Delta, rainfall was 22% above the average and the temperature was up by 0.8℃. Both RADPAR and BIOMSS were up by 2%. This region is known for the wide cultivation of rice. The crop condition development graph of NDVI was closed to average. The VCIx (0.94) and CALF (+4%) also confirmed the average crop conditions.

In the South Central Coast, the average rainfall was 44% below average and TEMP (-0.4℃) was closed to average. RADPAR was above average (+21%). Despite the high reduction in rainfall, BIOMSS was only 1% below average. Overall, VCIx(0.99) indicated moderate conditions in this region.

In the South East of Vietnam, crop condition were close to average from October to December, but dropped to below average starting in January. The agro-climatic conditions, compared to the average, were as follows: rainfall (-47%), TEMP (+0.2%), RADPAR(+10%), VCIx (0.97)  and CALF(+1%). Due to the decrease of rainfall and dry weather, BIOMSS decreased by 3%. Overall, the crop conditions tend to be unfavorable for this rgions.

Figure 3.43 Vietnam’s crop condition, October 2019 ‐ January 2020

(a). Phenologyof major crops

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

(d) Spatial NDVI patterns compared to 5YA      (e) NDVI profiles

(f) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI Central Highlands Vietnam (left), and Mekong River Delta (right).

(g) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI North West Vietnam (left), and Red River Delta (right).

(h) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI South Central Coast Vietnam (left),and South East Vietnam (right).

(i) Crop condition development graph based onNDVI North Central Coast Vietnam

Table 3.77 Vietnam’s agroclimatic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 15YA, October 2019-January 2020

Table 3.78 Vietnam’s agronomic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 15YA/5YA, October 2019 – January 2020