Land preparation and planting that had been slowed down by dry conditions in the last dekad have accelerated. Pastures and livestock condition are set to improve. Light to moderate rains continue to benefit crops Light to moderate rains continue to benefit the late planted crops, especially in the lowlands and foothills, now at the early vegetative stages. In the north, where the start of the season is already late, planting operations are being hampered by erratic rains. In the south, dry conditions associated with the current dry spell have persisted from the last dekad.
Crops are under moisture stress and rains are needed soon to prevent permanent damage.
Conditions remain below normal. The dry spell currently affecting the central provinces and parts of the southern province has intensified during the current dekad. Crops planted with the November rains are under severe moisture stress, and planting operations have slowed down. Unless good rains are received soon, the crops are likely to wilt. A dry spell is also affecting the northern provinces where significant rains were received during the last dekad.