Rice and main maize cycles are in the sowing stage. Rainfall has been normal in most cropland areas in the last month, including Santa Cruz, the department responsible for about ¾ of national grain production. However, vegetation conditions are below average which could be a sign of reduced planted area. Low availability of fuel, higher inputs costs and restricted access to credit have been reported as possible causes of a reduction in the area sown (
FAO GIEWS, November 2024). Seasonal forecast indicates above normal rainfall in the main producing areas for the period December 2024– February 2025 (
Copernicus C3S Multimodel).