In Hungary, winter wheat sowing ended in October. NDVI values were below average throughout this monitoring period. Agro-climatic indicators show that rainfall and temperature were below average (RAIN -11%, TEMP -0.6°C), radiation was above average (RADPAR +9%) and BIOMSS had a 3% decrease due to the lower rainfall. The seasonal RAIN profile shows that the rainfall in late November and December was above average which helped alleviate the moderate drought conditions.

The national average VCIx was 0.76. CALF (80%) was lower by 13% as compared to its 5YA. The NDVI departure cluster profiles indicate that: (1) 16.7% of arable land experienced above-average crop conditions, scattered around Western Hungary, middle Hungary and Eastern Hungary. (2) 50.1% of arable land experienced below-average crop conditions, scattered around Eastern Hungary and Western Hungary. (3) 27.1% of arable land, mainly in middle Hungary and Eastern Hungary, had slightly above-average crop conditions in October and below average from November to January. (4) 6.1% of arable land experienced above-average crop conditions in early October, below average from middle November to late December, and followed by a marked drop in January, mainly in Eastern Hungary. Altogether, the conditions for winter wheat in this period are assessed as slightly below average.

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 below average throughout the monitoring period. Agro-climatic indicators show that rainfall and temperature were below average (RAIN -23%, TEMP -0.6°C), radiation was above average (RADPAR +11%), and BIOMSS had a 11% decrease due to the lower rainfall. The VCIx was 0.76. Cropped arable land fraction (CALF) experienced a 16% decrease compared to the 5YA. The crop conditions in this region are slightly below 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 average throughout the monitoring period. The rainfall was below average (-6%). Temperature was also below average (TEMP -0.6°C), whereas radiation was above (RADPAR +7%), which resulted in above-average biomass (BIOMSS +1%). The maximum VCI was 0.75. Cropped arable land fraction (CALF) experienced a 14% decrease compared to the 5YA. The crop production in this region is expected to be close to average.

Northern Hungary is another important winter wheat region. During this reporting period, according to the NDVI development curve, crop conditions were below average throughout the monitoring period. Agro-climatic indicators show that rainfall and temperature were below average (RAIN -34%, TEMP -0.5°C), radiation was above average (RADPAR +14%), and BIOMSS had a 15% decrease due to below average rainfall. The maximum VCI was 0.70. Cropped arable land fraction (CALF) experienced a 23% decrease compared to 5YA. The 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. Crop conditions were below average throughout the monitoring period. Rainfall and temperature were below average (RAIN -7%, TEMP -0.7°C), whereas solar radiation was above average (RADPAR +9%) and biomass was below average (BIOMSS -3%). The maximum VCI was favorable at 0.77.  Cropped arable land fraction (CALF) experienced an 8% decrease compared to the 5YA. The crop conditions in this region are slightly below average.

Figure 3.18 Hungary's crop condition, October 2021-January 2022

(a). Phenology of major crops

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

(c). Maximum VCI

(d). Spatial distribution of NDVI profiles.

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

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

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

(h). 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 2021-January 2022 

Table 3.28 Hungary's agronomic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 5YA, October 2021-January 2022