2008 sowing of winter crops are facing delay in many countries of the region
Amount of precipitation was slightly higher than long-term average in many countries of the region. However, rain was sufficient for the start of the sowing campaign only at the end of October. Additionally, air temperature was high or winter crop sowing in Iraq, southern Iran, and southern Afghanistan.
Remote sensing data show that the vegetation status at the end of October 2008 was worse than long-term verage within almost all winter crop production areas of the region. Thus, analysis of all results leads to the conclusion that winter crop sowing campaign 2008/2009 is not started yet or in some delay comparing with the long-term average dates in all countries of the region.