Summer crops were planted in April and May and winter wheat  was harvested in June and July.

Accumulated rainfall was above average  (RAIN +17%) while temperature  and radiation were below (TEMP -1.2°C, RADPAR -2%), resulting in a decrease in biomass (BIOMSS -14%). According to the national NDVI development graphs, crop conditions were below average from April to mid-June, while from late June to July, they improved to be above but close to average. Some spatial and temporal detail is provided  by NDVI clusters: NDVI was above average throughout the reporting period on 22.7% of arable land; 13.4% of cropland was above average from April to early June and  below average from mid-June to July; About 20.3% of arable land was below average throughout the reporting period; 28.8% of cropland was below average from April to early June and above average from mid June to July; 14.9% of cropland was below average from April to June and above average in July.

With the maximum VCI value at the national level reaching 0.92 and the cropped arable land fraction (CALF) at 100% (unchanged compared to the recent five-year average) crop conditions are assessed as favorable for the summer crops. However, the below-average crop conditions between April and mid-June indicate lower winter wheat yields, due to dry conditions observed in the spring.

Regional analysis 

Based on cropping systems, climatic zones, and topographic conditions, Hungary is divided into four sub-regions: North Hungary, Central Hungary, the Great Plain (Puszta) and Transdanubia. Specific observations for the reporting period are included for each region. All sub-regions are characterized by unchanged fractions of cultivated arable land (CALF) compared to average, i.e. 100%, indicating full cropping.

Central Hungary is one of the major agricultural regions in terms of  crop production. A sizable share of winter wheat, maize and sunflower is planted in this region. The NDVI was below average from April to mid June and above from late June to July. Agro-climatic conditions include below-average radiation (RADPAR -1.7%), temperature (TEMP -1.3°C), biomass(BIOMSS -14%) and above-average rainfall (RAIN, +27%). The VCIx was just fair at 0.92. CropWatch expects slightly unfavorable conditions

Northern Hungary is another important winter wheat region. During this reporting period, the crops showed the same patterns in the crop condition graph as Central Hungary. Temperature, radiation and biomass had negative departures (TEMP  -1.4°C, RADPAR  -1.6%, BIOMSS, -14%) while rainfall increased (RAIN +29%). The VCIx was favorable at 0.90. CropWatch expects normal production.

The Puszta region grows mostly winter wheat, maize and sunflower especially in the counties of Jaz-Nagykum-Szolnok and Bekes. The NDVI was below average from April to mid-June and above from late June to July. Temperature, radiation and biomass had negative anomalies (TEMP  -1.4°C, RADPAR  -2.0%, BIOMSS, -15%) while rainfall increased (RAIN +30%). The VCIx was favorable at 0.94. CropWatch expects normal production.

Southern Transdanubia cultivates winter wheat, maize, and sunflower, mostly in Somogy and Tolna counties. Crop conditions were generally below average from April to July in this region. All agro-climatic conditions were below average, including RAIN (-8%), TEMP(-0.9), RADPAR (-1.9%) and BIOMSS (-12%). The maximum VCI was favorable at 0.90. CropWatch expects slighlty unfavorable conditions.

Figure 3.18 Hungary’s crop condition, April - July 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 3.27 Hungary’s agroclimatic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 15YA, April-July 2020 

Table 3.28 Hungary’s agronomic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 15YA, April-July  2020