No crops were cultivated in most of the country during this monitoring period. Only some minor winter crops were grown in the southern regions. Crop production in Kazakhstan is mostly rainfed, as only 3% of the cropland is under irrigation. According to the NDVI profiles, the national average NDVI values were generally below average from March to April. 

Compared to the 15-year average, accumulated precipitation, temperature and radiation were above average (RAIN +2%, TEMP +1.6°C, RADPAR +2%). The dekadal precipitation was above the 15-year average from February to early March and exceeded the 15-year maximum in early January and mid-April. The dekadal temperatures were mostly above average except in mid-January, early April and mid-April. The agro-climatic conditions resulted in an increase of potential biomass (BIOMSS +7%). 

Overall, agro-climate conditions were favorable for the planting of spring wheat in May. 

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 zone (112), the Eastern plateau and southeastern zone (111) and the South zone (110).

In the Northern zone, the accumulated precipitation and RADPAR were close to average, while the temperature (TEMP +2.3°C) was above average, and RADPAR was average. The warm weather conditions resulted in an increase of the BIOMSS index by 13%. 

In the Eastern plateau and southeastern zone, the accumulated precipitation, temperature and radiation were above average (RAIN +6%, TEMP +0.2°C, RADPAR +4%). Compared to the other regions, the higher CALF value (16%) indicated some agricultural activities in this region. The NDVI profiles showed that the NDVI value was below average during the whole monitoring period.

In the South zone, the accumulated precipitation, temperature and radiation were above average (RAIN +3%, TEMP +0.5°C, RADPAR +5%). The agro-climate conditions were normal in the monitoring period. 

Figure 3.24 Kazakhstan's crop condition, January - April 2023

(a). Phenology of major crops

(b). Crop condition development graph based on NDVI

(c). Maximum VCI

(d). Rainfall profiles 

(e). Temperature profiles

(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 zone)

Table 3.40 Kazakhstan agroclimatic indicators by sub-national regions, current season’s values and departure from 15YA, January - Apirl 2023

Table 3.41 Kazakhstan, agronomic indicators by sub-national regions, current season’s values and departure from 5YA, January - Apirl 2023