During this reporting period, winter wheat was harvested in June and July. According to the crop condition development graph, NDVI values were below average for most of the monitoring period, except for late June, when they reached the 15YA. Temperatures were below average (TEMP -0.8°C) and solar radiation was above average  (RADPAR +1%) as compared to the 15YA. Conditions had been drier than usual during the previous monitoring period. The overall rainfall was below average (RAIN -5%), mainly due to the fact that the precipitation was much lower than average in June, early July and late July. Biomass was above average compared to the 15YA (BIOMSS +2%). These conditions illustrate that Hungary was much drier than usual, which had affected winter wheat crop growth. The national CALF was 100%. Winter wheat production is expected to be below but close to average . 

The national average VCIx was 0.86. The NDVI departure cluster profiles indicate that: (1) 9.4% of arable land experienced above-average crop conditions from April to mid-June, scattered over the whole country. (2) 38% of arable land experienced below-average crop conditions during this reporting period, mainly distributed in Central Hungary. (3) 24.4% of arable land experienced below-average crop conditions from April to early June, mainly distributed in Eastern Hungary. (4) 28.2% of arable land experienced slightly below-average crop conditions from April to mid-May, and above average from late May to mid-June, mainly distributed in Western Hungary and Central Hungary.

Regional analysis

Based on cropping systems, climatic zones, and topographic conditions, four sub-national regions are described below: Central Hungary, the Great Plain (Puszta), Northern Hungary and Transdanubia. During this reporting period, CALF was 100% for all the four subregions.

Central Hungary is one of the major agricultural regions in terms of crop production. A sizable share of winter wheat is planted in this region. According to the NDVI development graphs, NDVI values were below average in the entire monitoring period. Temperature and rainfall were below average (TEMP -0.8°C and RAIN -2% respectively). Radiation was above average (RADPAR +2%). Potential biomass was above average compared to the 15YA (BIOMSS +2%). The VCIx was 0.85. The crop conditions in this region are expected to be below but close to average.

The Puszta (The Great Plain) region mainly grows winter wheat, maize and sunflower, especially in the counties of Jaz-Nagykum-Szolnok and Bekes. According to the NDVI development graphs, NDVI values were below average in the entire monitoring period. Agro-climatic conditions include below-average rainfall (RAIN -18%), temperature (TEMP -0.7°C) and radiation (RADPAR -2%). Biomass was above average compared to the 15YA (BIOMSS +2%).  The maximum VCI was 0.85. The crop conditions in this region are expected to be below but close to average.

Northern Hungary is another important winter wheat region. According to the NDVI development graphs, NDVI values were below average in this all monitored period. Temperature and rainfall were below average (TEMP -1.0°C, RAIN -4%), and radiation was above average (RADPAR +1%). Estimated biomass was average. The maximum VCI was 0.90. The crop conditions in this region are near average.

Southern Transdanubia cultivates winter wheat, maize, and sunflower, mostly in Somogy and Tolna counties. According to the NDVI development graphs, NDVI values were below average throughout the monitoring period. Agro-climatic conditions include below-average temperature (TEMP -0.9°C) and above-average rainfall (RAIN +10%) and radiation (RADPAR +1%). Biomass was above average compared to the 15YA (BIOMSS +2%). The maximum VCI was favorable at 0.86. The crop conditions in this region are below but close to average.

Figure.3.18 Hungary's crop condition, April-July 2021

(a). Phenology of major crops

(b) Maximum VCI

(c) Spatial distribution of NDVI profiles

(d) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI, Time series rainfall profile and temperature profile

(e) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI, Time series rainfall profile and temperature profile (Central Hungary)

(f) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI, Time series rainfall profile and temperature profile (The Greatplain)

(g) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI, Time series rainfall profile and temperature profile (North Hungary)

(h) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI, Time series rainfall profile and temperature profile (Southern Transdanubia)

Table 3.27 Hungary’s agroclimatic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 15YA, April - July 2021 

Table 3.28 Hungary’s agronomic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 5YA, April - July  2021