The current monitoring period covers the late growth and harvest of Kharif (summer) maize, rice and soybean, and the planting and early growth of Rabi (winter) rice and wheat. The graph of NDVI development shows that the crop conditions were above average in general, except for November.

The CropWatch agroclimatic indicators show that nationwide, TEMP (-0.4°C) and RADPAR were close to average, whereas RAIN was above the 15YA (+26%). The sufficient rainfall compensated for the low TEMP and RADPAR, resulting in a BIOMSS increase by 18% compared with the 15YA. The overall VCIx was high, with a value of 0.94. As can be seen from the spatial distribution, only the Northwestern region recorded values below 0.80. Most of India had high VCIx values. These spatial patterns of VCIx were thus generally consistent with those of NDVI. The western and northeastern regions showed above-average crop conditions while the conditions were slightly below average in the southern regions. The spatial distribution of NDVI profiles shows that after November, 55% of the areas showed above-average crop conditions in the western and southern regions. CALF increased by 4% compared to the 5YA. The agroclimatic indicators were generally favorable.

Regional analysis

India is divided into eight agro-ecological zones: the Deccan Plateau (94), the Eastern coastal region (95), the Gangetic plain (96), the Assam and north-eastern regions (97), Agriculture areas in Rajasthan and Gujarat (98), the Western coastal region (99), the North-western dry region (100) and the Western Himalayan region (101).

The five agro-ecological zones of the Gangatic plain, the Agriculture areas in Rajastan and Gujarat, the Western coastal region, the North-western dry region and the Western Himalayan region showed similar trends in agricultural indices. Compared to the same period of previous years, RAIN had increased significantly, especially in the North-western dry region (+335%). The TEMP and RADPAR were slightly below average, the BIOMSS was significantly above the 15-year average. It benefitted from the sufficient rainfall. CALF showed the same trends. They all were above average. The graph of NDVI development shows that the crop growth of these five agro-ecological regions during this monitoring period were closed or above the 5-year average in most months. Generally, the crop production is expected to be above average.

The Deccan Plateau and Gujarat and the Assam and north-eastern regions recorded similar trends of agricultural indices in this monitoring period. Compared to the same period of the previous years, RAIN decreased significantly by 13% in the Deccan Plateau and by 16% for the Assam and north-eastern regions. TEMP was slightly below average. The RADPAR was slightly above average for both regions and compensated for the rainfall effect and caused an increase in BIOMSS. Both regions recorded increases of CALF. VCIx was above 0.89. The graph of NDVI development shows that the crop growth for both regions was generally below the 5-year average. The crop production is expected to be below average.

The Eastern coastal region recorded 411 mm of RAIN, which was above average (+14%). TEMP was at 22.4°C (+0.1°C) and RADPAR was at 1075 MJ/m² (-1%). BIOMSS was above the 15YA (+13%). CALF reached 99% which was slightly above average, and VCIx was 0.92. The graph of NDVI development shows that the crop growth of the region during the monitoring period exceeded the 5-year average in most months. The outlook of crop production in this region is favorable.

Figure 3.20 India's crop condition, October 2021-January 2022

(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 (Deccan Plateau (left) and Eastern Coastal Region (right))

(i) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI (Gangetic Plains (left) and Assam and north-eastern regions (right))

(j) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI (Agriculture areas in Rajasthan and Gujarat (left) and Western Coastal Region (right))

(k) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI (North-western dry region (left) and Western Himalayan Region (right))

Table 3.31. India’s agroclimatic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 15YA, October 2021-January 2022

Table 3.32. India’s agronomic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 5YA, October 2021-January 2022