Crop conditions were below average throughout the whole monitoring period according to the crop condition development graph based on NDVI. The sowing of winter wheat was completed in October. Temperature and radiation were both above average (TEMP +0.4℃, RADPAR +2%), while rainfall was below average (RAIN -4%) as compared to the 15YA. The lack of rainfall resulted in a slight decrease in the BIOMSS index by 4% as compared to the 15YA. The Cropped Arable Land Fraction (CALF) decreased by 2% compared to the recent five-year average and the national average of maximum VCI index was 0.48.

According to the spatial distribution of NDVI profiles, approximately 11.5% of the cropland (marked in dark green) had above-average crop conditions during the whole monitoring period. The crop conditions of roughly 43% of the croplands, marked in light green, were near average during the whole monitoring period. 17.5% of the cropland (marked in orange) in the provinces of West Azerbaijan, Kordestan and Zanjan had near or above-average crop conditions before mid-January, and the crop conditions dropped to below average in late January. Crop conditions in the rest of the cultivated areas (marked in blue and red) were all near average at first and then dropped to below average, mainly including the provinces of West Azerbaijan, East Azerbaijan, Ardebil, Zanjan, Kordestan, Kermanshah, Hamadan, Lorestan, Ilam, and Fars. The drop in NDVI in January can be attributed to cloud or snow cover. Overall, the crop condition for winter crops was slightly below average. 

Regional analysis

Based on cropping systems, climatic zones and topographic conditions, three sub-national agro-ecological regions can be distinguished for Iran, among which two are relevant for crop cultivation. The two regions are referred to as the Semi-arid to sub-tropical hills of the west and north, and the Arid Red Sea coastal low hills and plains. 

In the Semi-arid to sub-tropical hills of the west and north region, crop conditions were slightly below average during the whole monitoring period. This AEZ is a mountainous, relatively high-altitude region. Snow cover is common, and thus the low NDVI values observed for January are not representative. Temperature was 0.4°C above average, the accumulated rainfall was 191 mm (5% below average), and radiation was slightly above average (RADPAR +3%). The unfavorable weather conditions resulted in a decrease of BIOMSS by 7% compared to the recent 15-year average. The CALF decreased by 1%, and the average VCIx (0.50) was rather low. Crop conditions were slightly unfavorable.

The Arid Red Sea coastal low hills and plains region also had below average crop conditions during the whole monitoring period. This AEZ received 150 mm rainfall during the reporting period, 1% below the 15YA average (RAIN -1%). Temperature was 0.9°C above average (TEMP +0.9℃), and radiation was 2% above average (RADPAR +2%). BIOMSS was near average (+2%). The CALF decreased by 5% compared to the 5YA, reflecting that less land was cultivated. The average VCIx of this region was 0.45. Crop conditions were slightly unfavorable.

Figure 3.21 Iran's crop condition, October 2021 - January 2022

(a) Phenology of major crops

(b) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI       (c) Time series rainfall profile

(d) Time series temperature profile                                       (e)  Maximum VCI

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

(h) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI (Semi-arid to sub-tropical hills of the west and north region (left) and Arid Red Sea coastal low hills and plains region (right))

(i) Time series rainfall profile (Semi-arid to sub-tropical hills of the west and north region)

Table 3.33. Iran's agroclimatic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 15YA, October 2021-January 2022

Table 3.34. Iran's agronomic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's value and departure from 5YA, October 2021-January 2022