MALI:
Overall crops prospects are mostly favourable. Following generally widespread and regular rains in May, June and July, precipitation decreased somewhat in early August but resumed in mid-August and became abundant in late August and early September, notably in the south and the west. Soil moisture reserves are generally adequate. Maize is heading/maturing while millet and sorghum are entering the reproduction phase in the south and the west and elongating in the sahelian zone. Rice is being transplanted or tillering in the “office du Niger”. Pastures are abundant and water points are well replenished.
Grasshopper infestations are reported on millet and sorghum in the sahelian zone. Desert Locust breeding on a small scale is likely to be in progress in a few places of the Adrar des Iforas, Timetrine and Tamesna. As favourable conditions are expected to be limited to some wadis and depressions, only low numbers of hoppers and adults are likely to be produced.
