NIGER:

Widespread and above normal rains benefited crop development. Rains decreased in early September in the north of Tillabery, Tahoua, Zinder and Diffa departments but remained above normal in the producing zone. Satisfactory conditions prevailed in the southern part. Cumulative rainfall is generally above normal but soil moisture deficits persist locally in Zinder department and in Dosso and Tillabery areas. Elsewhere, rains decreased in late September but crop water needs are generally covered. Maturing of crops in Fandou Mayaki, Lossa, Simiri, Bosso, Tebaram, Tameské and Banibangou might be affected by reduced moisture reserves. Harvesting of early millet is underway in the southern regions.

Good pastures are widespread. Infestations of grasshopper and other insects are reported in Diffa, Tahoua, Maradi and Zinder departments. Blister beetles caused some crop damage in Tillabery department. Low numbers of Desert Locust adults are likely to be present and breeding on a small scale in central Tamesna and on the western side of the Aïr, but as vegetation starts to dry out, locust numbers will decline.

A joint FAO/CILSS Crop Assessment Mission is scheduled from 25 to 29 October to estimate the 1999 cereal production
 

Satellite Images (Cold Cloud Duration for the last three dekads)

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