[MUS] Mauritius

From April to July 2024 in Mauritius, planting of onion, pineapple and potato was started.  Based on records of the Mauritius Meteorological Services, the month of April 2024 received near normal rainfall for the season with a slight departure of +9% from the long term mean, whereas the month of May was wetter with 228 mm rain received and a strong departure of +54% from the 15YA. Moreover, June equally received above normal rainfall with a departure of +30% from long term average, whilst quite surprisingly, the month of July was rain deficient with a departure of -36% from long term mean rainfall for the month. In this context, July 2024 has been classified as the driest since 1904, by the Mauritius Meteorological Services.

Thus, the last quarter received around 379mm rain all across the island, representing a surplus of about +58% compared to the 15 YA. Regarding temperature, on the whole, the past four months were slightly warmer than the last 15 YA, with a mean of 23.7 ^oC and a departure of +0.2 ^oC. April 2024 is reported as the fifth warmest since 1960. Moreover, there was a reduction in RADPAR by 3%. Still, biomass increased by 3% and a favourable VCI score of 0.87 was obtained.  It can therefore be inferred that climatic conditions prevailing during the period under review have so far been beneficial to all three crops being monitored. The situation reflected in the NDVI which was close to both the 5YA and last year`s records as illustrated in the crop condition graph based on NDVI. Still as per the trends observed in the different figures, the yields of potato, onion and pineapple in coming months are expected to be in line with the 5YA, provided there are no unpredictable weather fluctuations and pest and diseases occurrences are well managed.

• Mauritius Crop Conditions April 2024 to June 2024

                                                          a. Phenology Map for crops monitored

Figure.{1.1} Crop condition development graph based on NDVI

Figure.{1.2} Time series rainfall profile

Figure.{1.3} Time series temperature profile

Figure.{1.4} Spatial distribution of NDVI profiles

Figure.{2.1} NDVI departures last 15YA

Figure.{2.2} Maximum VCI