Crop Calendar
Searchable platform for planting and harvesting period
DescriptionOverview of the initiative and its approach.
Crop Calendar is a free web-based application that provides information on planting, sowing, and harvesting periods for over 100 crops in different countries and agroecological zones. The initiative serves as a living platform where validated data from national authorities is continuously updated to support agricultural planning. Users can view crop-specific details such as planting and harvesting periods, crop cycles, and optimal sowing windows based on agroecological zones. The tool addresses timing and knowledge gaps using a structured GIS-based system.
TechnologyTechnology used by the initiative.
Crop Calendar is a web-based platform that works on computers and mobile devices through an internet browser. The tool allows users to browse and filter planting and harvesting information by country, crop, and agroecological zone. The platform is available in six languages: English, Spanish, French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and enables users to export data for offline use or integration into planning tools.
TargetUsers, groups, or communities targeted by the initiative.
Crop Calendar supports farmers, extension workers, and policy makers by improving agricultural planning, resilience, and recovery, especially after climate-related disasters.
Business modelHow the initiative delivers and sustains its value.
Crop Calendar is fully free to use and publicly accessible via the FAO website. The initiative is funded and maintained by FAO with support from member countries and development partners. Registration, subscription or payment is not required from users. The tool does not generate revenue and operates as a public good to support knowledge sharing and agricultural planning.
ImpactThe observed or intended effects of the initiative.
Crop Calendar helps smallholder farmers and advisors reduce crop losses by improving the timing of planting and harvesting for over 100 crop in more than 80 countries. In Europe and Central Asia, localized crop calendars help optimize productivity and strengthen resilience to climate variability.
PartnersOrganizations and stakeholders involved in the initiative.
FAO; World Meteorological Organization; Ministry of Agriculture of Ethiopia; India Meteorological Department; Kenya Meteorological Department; Jordan National Agricultural Research Centre
Four BettersThe FAO Four Betters supported by the initiative.
Better production
