MALI:

Reflecting adequate rains since August, crop conditions are generally satisfactory. Following widespread rains in August, except in the centre-north in mid-August, precipitation remained quite abundant during the first dekad and then decreased from the second dekad onwards. Nevertheless, rains remained widespread except in the west in late September. Cumulative rainfall is generally normal, except in Tombouctou and Kayes regions where it is below normal. River levels are increasing and above last year’s and above-normal levels. The Sénégal dam has been full since 22 September. The overall crop outlook is satisfactory despite some difficulties in growing conditions due to late plantings or replantings. Millet and sorghum are reaching heading/maturation stages. Maize is maturing or has already been harvested in the south. Rainfed rice is heading while irrigated rice of the «Office du Niger » is in the elongation stage. A normal coarse grains harvest is anticipated in the Sudanian zone in the south, while prospects are mixed further north in the Sahelian zone where late planted crops may lack sufficient rains to cover their entire growing cycle. Reflecting larger planted areas, rice production is likely to be above normal.

Desert Locust have been reported in the Gao area in late August and in the northern Adrar des Iforas and Timetrine in early September. Control operations are underway. Further west, there were reports for the first time this year of numerous hopper bands west of Tombouctou. Adult groups and a few small swarms are expected to form near Gao and Tombouctou during October and possibly to move into the Adrar des Iforas or further west and north-west.

A joint FAO/CILSS Crop Assessment Mission is scheduled in Mali from 14 to 18 October. Composed of experts or consultants from FAO/GIEWS, the DIAPER Programme and the Agrhymet Centre of CILSS, this Mission will work closely with the national services involved in the monitoring of rainy season (meteorology, hydrology, plant protection, agricultural statistics) as well as the SAP (early warning system) and the SIM (price information system).

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

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