In Hungary, winter wheat sowing ended in October. NDVI values were close to or above average throughout this monitoring period. The negative departures are outliers, due to snow or cloud cover in the satellite images. Agro-climatic indicators show that rainfall and temperature were above average (RAIN, +9%, TEMP +0.2°C), radiation was below average (RADPAR -13%). The seasonal RAIN profile shows that the rainfall in October, early December, late December and January was above average. The temperature was close to the 15YA.

The national average VCIx was 0.94. CALF (98%) had increased by 7% as compared to its 5YA. The NDVI departure cluster profiles indicate that: (1) 37% of arable land experienced above-average crop conditions, scattered around West Hungary, middle Hungary and East Hungary. (2) 33% of arable land experienced slightly below-average or average crop conditions, scattered around East Hungary and West Hungary. (3) 16.3% of arable land, mainly in Western Hungary, had slightly above-average crop conditions before a marked drop in mid-December, and recovered to average crop conditions in January. (4) 5.9% of arable land experienced average crop conditions from October to late December before a marked drop in January, mainly in East of Hungary. (5) 7.8% of arable land, mainly in North Hungary and South Hungary, experienced average crop conditions from October to early December, above average from mid-December to early January, followed by a marked drop. Altogether, the conditions for winter wheat in Hungary are assessed as favorable.

Regional analysis

Based on cropping systems, climatic zones, and topographic conditions, four sub-national regions are described below: Northern Hungary, Central Hungary, the Great Plain (Puszta) and Transdanubia. 

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. According to the NDVI development graphs, NDVI values were close to average from October to early November, and below average from late November to mid-December, then above average from late December to January. Agro-climatic conditions include above-average rainfall (RAIN +3%) and temperature (TEMP +0.2°C), and below-average radiation (RADPAR -14%), which resulted in below-average biomass (BIOMSS -11%). The VCIx was 0.91. Cropped arable land fraction (CALF) experienced a 2% increase compared to the 5YA. The crop conditions in this region are slightly above average.

The Puszta region mainly grows winter wheat, maize and sunflower, especially in the counties of Jaz-Nagykum-Szolnok and Bekes. According to the NDVI development graph, crop conditions were below but close to average in early October, above average from mid-October to late January. The rainfall was above average (+15%). Temperature was also above average (TEMP +0.4°C), whereas radiation was below (RADPAR -14%), which resulted in below-average biomass (BIOMSS -8%). The maximum VCI was 0.90. Cropped arable land fraction (CALF) experienced a 13% increase compared to the 5YA. The crop production in this region is expected to be favorable.

Northern Hungary is another important winter wheat region. During this reporting period, according to the NDVI development curve, crop conditions were above average from October to November and below average in early December, then above average. The rainfall was above average (RAIN +23%). Temperature was slightly above average (TEMP +0.2°C), and radiation was below average (RADPAR -18%). Estimated biomass decreased (BIOMSS -16%). The maximum VCI was 0.95. Cropped the arable land fraction (CALF) experienced a 4% increase compared to 5YA. The crop production in this region is expected to be favorable.

Southern Transdanubia cultivates winter wheat, maize, and sunflower, mostly in Somogy and Tolna counties. Crop condition was close to average from October to November, and below average in early December, then above average. Rainfall was average and temperature was above average (TEMP +0.1°C), whereas solar radiation was below average (RADPAR -11%) and biomass was below average (BIOMSS -10%). The maximum VCI was favorable at 0.98.  Cropped arable land fraction (CALF) experienced a 3% increase compared to the 5YA. The crop conditions in this region are slightly above average.

Figure 3.18 Hungary's crop condition, October 2020-January 2021

(a). Phenology of major crops

(a). Crop condition development graph based on NDVI, RAIN and TEMP (Hungary). 

(b). Maximum VCI

(c). Spatial distribution of NDVI profiles.

(d). Crop condition development graph based on NDVI, RAIN and TEMP (Central Hungary).

(e). Crop condition development graph based on NDVI, RAIN and TEMP (North Hungary).

(f). Crop condition development graph based on NDVI, RAIN and TEMP (Great plain).                                                                                                                

(g). Crop condition development graph based on NDVI, RAIN and TEMP (Transdanubia).

Table 3.27 Hungary's agronomic indicators by sub-national regions, current srason's values and departure from 15YA, October 2020-January 2021 

Table 3.28 Hungary's agronomic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 5YA, October 2020-January 2021