This reporting period from July to October covers the humid summer and autumn season in Mongolia, which corresponds to the main growing stage and harvesting stage of wheat in September, the main cereal crop in Mongolia. Among the CropWatch agroclimatic indicators, RAIN was above the 15YA (+36%), while TEMP and RADPAR were slightly below average (-0.6°C and -4%). The sufficient rainfall helped increase the estimated biomass by 12% as compared to the 15YA. The national VCIx was 1.02, the cropped arable land fraction increased by 2%, and the cropping intensity was 102, which had increased by 2% compared to the 5YA. 

The spatial NDVI patterns map shows that the NDVI values of 79.1% of areas in Mongolia were above average compared with the 5YA, and the maximum VCI map also demonstrates favorable crop conditions in the major crop production region.

Regional analysis

Hangai Khuvsgul Region: TEMP and RADPAR decreased by 0.5°C and 5%, while RAIN was 49% above average. Accordingly, BIOMSS increased by 7% from the 15YA. The maximum VCI was 0.97 and the cropped arable land fraction was 100%, up by 1%. The NDVI profile was above average and near the five-year maximum from July to early September. In conclusion, the crop conditions in Hangai Khuvsgul Region were favorable.

Selenge-Onon Region: TEMP and RADPAR were slightly below average (-0.8°C and -4%), while RAIN was above average (+28%). The BIOMSS increased by 11% compared to the 15YA. The maximum VCI was 1.04, and the cropped arable land fraction increased by 1%. Crop conditions were significantly above the five-year maximum from July to August, and the maximum VCI indices of most areas were greater than 0.8. Overall, for this important agricultural production region of Mongolia, the crop production prospects were positive.

Central and Eastern Steppe Region: According to the NDVI development graph, crop conditions were above the five-year maximum from July to September. Rain was above average (+59%), while TEMP and RADPAR were below average (-0.6°C and -6%). Benefitting from the increased rainfall, BIOMSS increased by 32% compared to 15YA. The maximum VCI was 1.04, and the cropped arable fraction increased by 2%. Overall crop prospects were favorable.

Figure 3.31 Mongolia's crop condition, July-October 2021

Table 3.54 Mongolia's agroclimatic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values, and departure from 15YA, July - October 2021

Table 3.55 Mongolia's agronomic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values, and departure from 5YA, July - October 2021