In Kazakhstan, spring wheat sowing will start in May only, and therefore is not covered in this monitoring period. Winter rye and winter wheat make up a small fraction of total cereal production. They are mainly grown in the southern areas of the country. Compared to the fifteen-year average, accumulated rainfall and temperature both went up (RAIN +27%, TEMP +3.9°C), while radiation went down (RADPAR -6%). Precipitation was close to the fifteen year maximum in late January to early February and in April. The temperature was also close to the fifteen year maximum in January and February. Favorable agro-climatic conditions resulted in an increase in the BIOMSS index by 10% above average. The abundant precipitation during the two monitoring seasons from October 2019 to April 2020 will largely improve the soil moisture and benefit the planting of spring crops in May. 

Overall, the agro-climate conditions were favorable during this 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). 

The Northern region is the main spring wheat production area. Accumulated rainfall (RAIN +41%) and temperature (TEMP +4.8°C) were above average, but RADPAR was below average (-9%). The agro-climatic indicators resulted in an increase of the BIOMSS index by 9% above average.  The abundant precipitation will be favorable for the forthcoming planting of the spring crops.

The accumulated rainfall and temperature in the Eastern plateau and Southeastern region were above average (12% and 2.2°C, respectively), while RADPAR was close to average. The warmer and rainy weather resulted in an increase of BIOMSS by 10%.

The South region received 164 mm of rainfall, which was less than the other two regions. The accumulated rainfall and radiation were close to the fifteen-year average. TEMP was above average (1.5°C). The BIOMSS departure (up 13%) was the highest among the three regions. The agro-climate conditions in this region were favorable for the winter crops during the reporting period. 

Figure 3.18. Kazakhstan crop condition, January–April 2020

(a) Phenology of major crops

(b) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI   

(c) Rainfall Index                                                 (d) Temperature Index 

(e) Maximum VCI

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

(g) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI (Northern zone)

(h) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI (Eastern  plateau and southeastern zone)

(i) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI (South zone)

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

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