Lao PDR has gradually entered the dry season starting in December, when the harvest of wet-season rice was completed and the sowing of dry-season rice began.

During this reporting period, the agroclimatic indicators show that the accumulated rainfall and radiation were above average (ΔRAIN +4%, ΔRADPAR +6%), and temperature was close to average (ΔTEMP +1.0℃), which resulted in above-average biomass production potential (ΔBIOMSS +3%).

As shown by the NDVI development graph, the vegetation conditions were close to average in October and November. It dropped to below average levels starting from late December. Starting from mid November, rainfall was average at best, but mostly below the 15YA. In terms of the NDVI departure clustering maps and profiles, the cultivated area had close-to-average crop conditions throughout the whole monitoring period. The spatial pattern of maximum Vegetation Condition Index (VCIx) was in accord with the spatial distribution of the NDVI profiles. The national average VCIx was 0.93 and CALF was 99%. 

In general, under conditions of close to normal rainfall and suitable temperature, crop conditions in Lao PDR were close to average by the end of monitoring period. The Crop Production Index (CPI) in Lao PDR is 1.11, reflecting an overall above-average crop outlook.

Figure 3.28 Lao PDR's crop condition, October 2023- January 2024

a. Phenology of major crops

b. Crop condition development graph based on NDVI

c. Time series rainfall profile

d. Time series temperature profile

e. Spatial distribution of NDVI departure profiles

f. Maximum VCI

g. CPI time series graph

Table 3.47 Lao PDR’s agroclimatic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 15YA, October 2023 - January 2024

Table 3.48 Lao PDR’s agronomic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 5YA, October 2023 - January