During the period from July to October, the condition of crops in the country was generally favorable, with temperatures not differing much from the average. The prevailing RADPAR slightly (though not significantly) increased by 2%, while rainfall (RAIN) dropped 21% below average. For crops to be harvested in December, this coincides with a reduction of 13% in the biomass production potential BIOMSS. Crops, such as wheat, harvested around August may not have been affected much by these conditions in most parts of Tigray, Amhara, and Oromia. The maximum VCI was generally fair in the central and northern parts of the country, which include Amhara, Oromia, and North Wollo. Only few areas such as northeast SNPP and far-east Oromia showed high maximum VCI.

The spatial NDVI clusters and profiles reflected a pattern similar to the previous growing season. Crop development was slow and slightly below average between September and October in Tigray, where the growing season ends around September. Because Amhara, the major teff and wheat producing area, has a growing season up to October, an average production output is anticipated there. About 4.5% of the country (in in southern parts of SNPP and Oromia) experienced unfavorable conditions, which lead to locally poor crop condition. Overall, average crop conditions are prevailing in the country.

(a) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI   

  (b)  Maximum VCI

(c) Spatial NDVI patterns compared to 5YA and the coresponding NDVI departure profiles