noun
crop condition index; rice-crop index
An agricultural statistic, often used in Japanese news and government reports, that indicates the expected harvest yield relative to a normal year. Primarily associated with rice, but can apply to other crops.
今年の作況指数は平年を下回った。
This year's crop condition index fell below the average year.
農林水産
According to the crop condition index released by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the rice yield was somewhat poor.