For Hungary, the main crop being monitored for this report is winter wheat. Conditions were favorable until mid March, when they started to decline and fell below the longterm average in April, due to a scarcity of rainfall (RAIN -34%). Agro-climatic conditions were above average for temperature and radiation (TEMP +0.7°C; RADPAR +11%), but moisture limited crop growth and BIOMSS was down 9.0%. NDVI was above average throughout the monitoring period for 29.5% of the arable land, below average for 38.3% in the Northern Great Plain such as Helves, Jasz-Nagykun-Szolnok, Bekes, and Szabolcs-Szatmar-Bereg. For the remaining 32.2%, the NDVI was below average in late January and late April. At other times, the NDVI was above average in the Puszta region such as Jaz-Nagykum-Szolnok and Bekes. 

The maximum VCI value at the national level reached 0.84 and the cropped arable land fraction (CALF) was at 94% (2% below the recent five-year average).  Considering rainfall, biomass and NDVI profiles, crop conditions  are estimated as below average and good rainfall will be needed in the coming months to secure average wheat yields.

Regional analysis

CropWatch has adopted four agro-ecological zones (AEZ) to provide a more detailed spatial analysis for the country. They include North Hungary, Central Hungary, the Puszta and Southern Transdanubia. Specific observations for the reporting period are included for each region.

Cultivated arable land (CALF) decreased in all sub-regions: 2% in North Hungary region, 2% in Southern Transdanubia, 4% and 1% in Central Hungary and Puszta sub-regions, respectively.

Central Hungary is one of the major agricultural regions in terms of crop production. A sizeable share of winter wheat, maize and sunflower is planted in this region. The NDVI was above average from January to late March and below average in April. Agro-climatic conditions were above average for temperature and radiation (TEMP +0.5%; RADPAR +14%), and rainfall was below average (RAIN, -34%). Compared to the 15YA, the biomass production potential was below average (BIOMSS, -7%) and VCIx reached 0.82. Crop production in this region is assessed as below average.

Northern Hungary is another important winter wheat region where 5 to 8% of the national winter wheat, and 1 to 4% of maize are grown.The NDVI was above average from January to late March and below average in April. The temperature (TEMP +0.6°C), and radiation (RADPAR +13%) were above average while the accumulated rainfall (RAIN -35%) was far below average, resulting in a biomass production potential decrease in this region (BIOMSS -7%). The VCIx was favorable at 0.81. Crop production in this region is expected to be below average.

The Puszta region grows mostly winter wheat, maize and sunflower especially in the counties of Jaz-Nagykum-Szolnok and Bekes. According to the crop condition graph, NDVI was above average from January to late March and below average in April. The biomass potential decreased by 11% due to low rainfall (RAIN -28% ). Radiation (RADPAR +11%) was significantly above average and temperature was close to average (TEMP +0.5°C). The maximum VCIx reached 0.86. Crop production in this region is expected to be below  average.

Southern Transdanubia cultivates winter wheat, maize and sunflower, mostly in Somogy and Tolna counties while smaller areas are planted in northern Transdanubia. According to the crop condition graph, NDVI was above average from January to late March and below average in April. The biomass potential decreased by 8% due to low rainfall (RAIN -39%), and radiation (RADPAR +11%) is above average, temperature was close to average (TEMP +1.0°C). The maximum VCIx value estimated was 0.85. Crop production in this region is expected to be below average.

Figure.3.20. Hungary’s crop condition, January 2020-April 2020

(a). Phenology of major crops

(b) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI  (c)  Maximum VCI 

(d) Spatial NDVI patterns compared to 5YA         (e) NDVI profiles

(f) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI (Central Hungary (left) and North Hungary (right))

(g) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI (Great Plain (left) and Western Transdanubia (right))

Table 3.40. Hungary’s agroclimatic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 15YA, January - April 2020 

Table 3.41. Hungary’s agronomic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 15YA, January - April  2020