The main crops of Mongolia, spring wheat and potato are cultivated in the summer growing season. Average temperatures rose above 0ºC in early April, when land preparation for the summer crops started.  The crops are generally sown in May. According to the CropWatch agro-climatic indicators, the conditions were suitable for early sowing  in the primary agricultural regions of Selenge-Onon, Khangai-Khuvsgul, and Central and Eastern Steppe due to warmer weather (TEMP +2.5°C) with high precipitation (RAIN +31%). RADPAR was near average (-1%).  The agro-climatic conditions resulted in an increase of the BIOMSS index (+10%) above the fifteen-year average.

Regional analysis

The agro-climatic conditions in the sub-regions follow various patterns, but TEMP was higher in all regions by +2.0% to +2.6%. In the Altai and Gobi regions, precipitation was lower than the fifteen-year average by -8% and -10% respectively. The BIOMSS index increased by 18% and 25% as compared to the five-year average, respectively. The agro-climate conditions were normal, despite the slightly lower than average precipitation.

In the Selenge‐Onon region, RAIN was up by 42%, while the temperature was higher than the fifteen-year average (TEMP 2.5°C), and RADPAR was slightly lower (-2%). The BIOMSS index was 8% below the fifteen-year average. The agro-climatic conditionds were favorable due to higher rainfall.

In the Central-Eastern Steppe and Khangai Region, the meteorological variables were above average (RAIN +20% and +24%), and RADPAR was slightly below  the fifteen-year average (-1% and 0%). BIOMSS was up (+5% and +11%). Overall, the conditions were above average.

Figure 3.75. Mongolia crop condition, Jan 2020 – April 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) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI (Hangai Khuvsgul Region (left) and Selenge-Onon Region (right))

(g) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI (Central and Eastern Steppe Region (left) and Altai Region (right))

(h) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI (Gobi Region)

Table 3.78. Mongolia’s agro-climatic indicators sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 15YA, Jan 2020 – April 2020

Table 3.79. Mongolia’s agronomic indicators sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 5YA, Jan 2020 – April 2020