This reporting period covers the main growing season of winter wheat, sown in September and October. According to the crop condition development graph, NDVI values were below average over the entire period. The proportion of irrigated cropland in Kingdom is only 4% and agro-meteorological conditions play a decisive role in the growth of most crops. The overall rainfall (RAIN -38%) and temperatures (TEMP -0.4°C) in this period were below average. The solar radiation (RADPAR +6%) was above average as compared to the 15YA. The low rainfall was mainly due to below-average rainfall in January, February, March and mid-April, which delayed the growth of winter wheat, resulting in a 21% decrease of estimated biomass. The national CALF was 90%, which was 6% below the 5YA. Rainfall had recovered to average levels in April. This helped the crops recover to average levels by the end of this monitoring period. Below-average to average winter wheat production can be expected, if rainfall remains sufficient in the coming monitoring period. 

The national average VCIx was 0.83. The NDVI departure cluster profiles indicate that: 16.6% of arable land experienced above-average crop conditions from January to mid-March, below average in late-March, and above average in April, mainly distributed in west Hungary, middle Hungary and east Hungary. 20.8% of arable land experienced below-average crop conditions from January to mid-April, above average in late-April, mainly distributed in east Hungary. 62.5% of arable land experienced below-average crop conditions, scattered over the whole 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 below average for all the four subregions (-3%, -7%, -5% and -5%, respectively).

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, the values were below average in the whole period. Agro-climatic conditions presented below-average rainfall (RAIN -49%) and temperature (TEMP -0.3°C), and above-average radiation (RADPAR +7%). Biomass (BIOMSS -30%) was below average mainly due to below-average rainfall in January, February, March and mid-April, which slowed the growth of winter wheat. The VCIx was 0.83. 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 graphs, the values were below average in the whole period. Agro-climatic conditions presented below-average rainfall (RAIN -35%) and temperature (TEMP -0.6°C), and above-average radiation (RADPAR +5%). Biomass (BIOMSS -21%) was below average mainly due to below-average rainfall in January, February, March and mid-April, which delayed the growth of winter wheat. The VCIx was 0.84. The crop conditions in this region are expected to be below average.

Northern Hungary is another important winter wheat region. According to the NDVI development graphs, the values were below average in the whole period. Agro-climatic conditions presented below-average rainfall (RAIN -44%) and temperature (TEMP -0.2°C), and above-average radiation (RADPAR +5%). Biomass (BIOMSS -24%) was below average mainly due to below-average rainfall in January, February, March and mid-April, which delayed the growth of winter wheat. The VCIx was 0.80. The crop conditions in this region are expected to be below average.

Southern Transdanubia cultivates winter wheat, maize, and sunflower, mostly in Somogy and Tolna counties. According to the NDVI development graphs, the values were below average in the whole period. Agro-climatic conditions presented below-average rainfall (RAIN -39%) and temperature (TEMP -0.3°C), which resulted in a below-average biomass (BIOMSS -20%). The maximum VCI was favorable at 0.82. The crop conditions in this region are expected to be below average.

Figure.3.18 Hungary's crop condition, January-April 2022

(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 (Transdanubia)

Table 3.27 Hungary’s agroclimatic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 15YA, January - April 2022 

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