In Kazakhstan, spring wheat, barley, and other cereals currently in the field were sowed before June. During the reporting period, crop condition in the country was generally favorable. The national average VCIx was 0.87, and the Cropped Arable Land Fraction increased by 8% compared to the five-year average. Among the CropWatch agroclimatic indicators, RAIN was above average (+12%), while temperature was below average (TEMP, -0.3°C). The combination of these factors resulted in high BIOMSS (+8%) compared to the five-year average. As shown by the NDVI development graph, crop condition was below average from April to late May and above from June to late July. The spatial NDVI pattern and profile show that the crop condition in 75.7% of the cropped areas was below average from April to May. However, NDVI increased significantly from June to late July following favorable rains. The NDVI cluster graphs and profiles was above 70.7% in most parts of the country from June to July. NDVI was below average in most parts of Akmola, the eastern part of north Kazakhstan, and the northern part of Karagandy provinces. It was normal or above in other regions. Currently CropWatch wheat production estimates are 13% below last year's due to a reduced production area of wheat (-6%). 

Regional analysis

A result of this systems, crop productions, agroclimatic and agronomic indicators data have been produced ih three regions of Kazakhstan, such as Northern zone, Southeast Zone and Southwest zone.

Northern zone

In this sub-region, crop condition was below the five-year average from April to June. NDVI, however, increased started in June. All the CropWatch agroclimatic indicators were about average (RAIN and RADPAR both +1%; TEMP, -0.4°C; and BIOMSS, -2%). The maximum VCI index (0.86) was above average, and the Cropped Arable Land Fraction significantly increased by 7% points compared to the recent five-year average. According to the NDVI profiles, the crop condition was above the five-year average 70.7% in most parts of the country from June to July. Overall, the outcome for the summer crops is favorable in this region. 

Southeast zone

NDVI for this region was significantly above the five-year average, and crop condition was generally favorable. RAIN was 50% above average, but TEMP and RADPAR were normal (+0.1°C and -1%, respectively). The agroclimatic indicators also resulted in an increase of the BIOMSS index by 29%. The maximum VCI index was 0.96, while the cropped area increased by 14% compared to the five-year average. According to the NDVI profiles, the crop condition was above the five-year average 70.7% in most parts of the country from June to July. Overall crop prospects are favorable. 

Southwest zone

In this area, NDVI was generally below the five-year average. RAIN was above average (+50%), while TEMP was slightly below (-1°C). The agroclimatic conditions resulted in a BIOMSS increase of 57%. VCIx reached 0.81, and the fraction of cropped arable land (CALF) significantly increased by 8% compared to the five-year average. Overall, the outcome for the winter crops was normal in this region. 

Figure 3.18a.  Kazakhstan phenology of major crops   

Figure 3.18b.Kazakhstan national level crop condition development graph based on NDVI, comparing the April-July 2017 period to the previous season and the five-year average (5YA) and maximum                

Figure 3.18c. Kazakhstan maximum VCI for April-July 2017 by pixel

Figure 3.19d. Kazakhstan spatial NDVI patterns up to July 2017 according to local cropping patterns and compared to the 5YA (left) and (e) associated NDVI profiles (right)

Figure 3.18f. Northern region (Kazakhstan) crop condition development graph based on NDVI

Figure 3.18g. Southeast region (Kazakhstan) crop condition development graph based on NDVI

Figure 3.18h. Southwest region (Kazakhstan) crop condition development graph based on NDVI

Table 3.41. Kazakhstan agroclimatic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 15YA, April-July 2017 

Table 3.42. Kazakhstan, agronomic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 5YA, April-July 2017 

Table 3.43. CropWatch-estimated  wheat production for Kazakhstan in 2017 (thousand tons)