Reduced rains in mid-August affected crop development. After limited
rains in the north and the centre in late July, precipitation improved significantly
in the west during the first dekad of August. From 10 to 22 August, dry conditions
prevailed in major parts of the country causing water stress for the young millet
crop, mostly in the central and northern parts. Rains resumed during the last
week of August and remained regular and widespread in early September allowing
crops to recover, notably in the centre and the south. Cumulative rainfall as
of the end of August was generally below last year's level and below normal.
Satellite images for the first week of September indicate that rains improved,
notably in the southeast. In the south and the east, millet and sorghum are
heading while they are tillering/elongating in the north. Apart from Louga area,
pastures are generally good. Infestations of insects have been reported in many
zones in the southeast, the centre and the northwest. Localised treatments have
been undertaken.
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