During the monitoring period, the temperature has been higher than 0℃ since April and reached the highest in July, which corresponds to the sowing and growing stage of wheat. Among the CropWatch agroclimatic indicators, RAIN was above the fifteen-year average (+45%), while TEMP and RADPAR were below average (-1.2°C and -5%). The combination of these factors resulted in a decreased BIOMSS (-10%) compared to the fifteen-year average. The national VCIx was 1.05, and the cropped arable land fraction increased by 3%. Overall, since the rainfall is abundant, the conditions for crop production are expected to be favorable. 

Regional analysis

Hangai Khuvsgul Region: NDVI was above the five-year average from late June to July, RAIN was above average (+43%), while TEMP and RADPAR were below average (-1°C and -4%). The BIOMSS index decreased by 8% compared to the fifteen-year average, the maximum VCI index was 0.96. Overall crop prospects are normal. 

Selenge-Onon Region: Crop conditions were above the five-year average from late June to July, RAIN was above average (+51%), while TEMP and RADPAR were below average (-1.5°C and -6%). The BIOMSS index decreased by 14% compared to the fifteen-year average. The maximum VCI index was 1.07, and the cropped arable land fraction increased by 4%. Overall, crop conditions are expected to be normal. 

Central and Eastern Steppe Region: According to the NDVI development graph, crop condition in this region was below the five-year average in April, May, and late June, and above the five-year average in July. RAIN was above average (+41%), while TEMP, RADPAR, and BIOMSS were below average (-0.6°C, -4% and -5% respectively). The maximum VCI index was 1.1, and the cropped arable land fraction increased by 5%. Overall crop prospects are favorable. 

Figure 3.31 Mongolia’s crop condition, April-July 2021

(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) Rainfall profiles                                       (g) Temperature profiles
(h) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI (Hangai Khuvsgul Region (left) and Selenge-Onon Region (right))
(i) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI (Central and Eastern Steppe)

(j) Proportion of NDVI anomaly categories compared with 5YA in Mongolia

(k) Proportion of VHIm categories compared with 5YA in Mongolia

Table 3.53 Mongolia’s agroclimatic indicators by sub-national regions, current season’s values, and departure from 15YA, April- July 2021

Table 3.54 Mongolia’s agronomic indicators by sub-national regions, current season’s values, and departure from 5YA, April- July 2021