This reporting period covered the overwintering to ripening stage of winter wheat in Southwest China.  Agroclimatic indicators showed that the period was predominantly characterized by warm and humid weather. The RAIN was 380 mm, which was 20% higher than the 15YA. The TEMP and PAR were also higher by 1.1℃  and 2%, respectively, as compared to 15YA. The generally favorable hydrothermal conditions resulted in a BIOMSS increase of 8%. The potential biomass map indicated that due to high temperatures and precipitation deficits, potential biomass in Yunnan was significantly lower, but  this region is not a core planting area, the potential biomass in most other areas was at or above the average level. The VCIx was 0.89, slightly better than last year's 0.84, indicating that crop growth conditions were slightly better than the same period last year. 

The NDVI time series and Crop condition development  map showed that crop conditions in the region were significantly below average in March, primarily due to precipitation deficits during the crop's jointing stage. Crop conditions improved with subsequent increases in precipitation, with crop growth returning to average levels by late April and early May. The optimal vegetation condition index map showed little spatial variation in crop conditions, with most areas having crop conditions ranging from average to good. The region's CPI of 0.97 is significantly better than the same period last year, but slightly below the average for the past five years, indicating that overall crop conditions and production prospects are generally normal. 

Overall, crop growth conditions in the Southwest region were at the average level.

Figure 4.16 Crop condition China Southwest region, January - April 2024

(a) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI

(b) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI     (c) NDVI profiles

(d) Maximum VCI

(e) Potential biomass departure from 15YA

(f) Time series rainfall profile

(g) Time series temperature profile

（k）CPI time series graph