MALI:

Reflecting favourable growing conditions, a good harvest is in prospect. Rains were generally well distributed and regular in June, July, August and September over the main producing areas. Crops are generally growing satisfactorily except in some areas affected by flooding or dry spells in the north (estimated at 12 800 hectares in Gao, Bourem, Ansongo and Mopti areas). Millet, sorghum and rainfed rice are heading/maturing, while maize is being harvested. Irrigated rice is developing well. If rains continue in October, cereal production could be close to last year’s record level.

Pastures are generally abundant. Grain-eating birds were reported in the rice producing areas along the Niger river and treatments have been undertaken on 5 100 hectares. Grasshopper attacks were also reported locally. Low numbers of Desert Locusts are likely to be present in parts of the Adrar des Iforas and breeding on a small scale is likely in some areas.

A joint FAO/CILSS Crop Assessment Mission is scheduled from 23 to 28 October to estimate the 2000 cereal production.

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

Legend

Page with graphics of the evolution of Cold Cloud Duration average values over various zones of the country and compared to 1989-1995 average values.