No crops were cultivated in most of the country during this monitoring period, except for some minor winter crops planted in the southern regions. Compared to the 15-year average, accumulated rainfall and temperature were above average (RAIN +2%, TEMP +1.4°C), while radiation was below average (RADPAR -2%). The dekadal precipitation was above the 15-year average from the mid-November to mid-January. The dekadal temperature was above average from mid-November to January. The agro-climatic conditions resulted in a minor increase in estimated BIOMSS by 2%. According to the NDVI profiles, the national average NDVI values were lower than 0.2 starting from November because of freezing conditions.

Overall, the agro-climate conditions were normal in the monitoring period. 

Regional analysis

Based on cropping systems, climatic zones and topographic conditions, four sub-national agro-ecological regions can be distinguished for Kazakhstan, among which three are relevant for crop cultivation: the Northern region (112), the Eastern plateau and southeastern region (111) and the South region (110).

In the Northern region, the accumulated precipitation (RAIN +6%) and temperature (TEMP +1.6°C) were above average, while RADPAR was below average by 3%. 

In the Eastern plateau and southeastern region, the accumulated precipitation (RAIN -3%) was below average, while the temperature (TEMP +0.9°C) was above average. The rain deficit resulted in a minor decrease of BIOMSS by 1%.

The South region received 125 mm of rainfall, which was the lowest amount and the biggest departure among the three regions. Due to the deficit of rainfall (RAIN -10%), the potential biomass decreased by 2%. The average VCIx for this region was 0.75 and CALF was below average by 41%. 

Figure 3.23 Kazakhstan's crop condition, October 2021 - January 2022

(a) Phenology of major crop

(b) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI

(c) Maximum VCI

(d) Rainfall Index 

(e) Temperature Index

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

(h) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI (North region)

(i)Crop condition development graph based on NDVI (Eastern plateau and Southeastern region)

(j)Crop condition development graph based on NDVI (South region)

Table 3.37 Kazakhstan agroclimatic indicators by sub-national regions, current season’s values and departure from 15YA, October 2021 - January 2022

Table 3.38 Kazakhstan, agronomic indicators by sub-national regions, current season’s values and departure from 5YA,  October 2021 - January 2022