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 above average over the entire period. The proportion of irrigated cropland in Hungary is only 4% and agro-meteorological conditions play a decisive role in the growth of most crops. The overall precipitation (RAIN +18%) and temperatures (TEMP +1.0°C) were above average in this period. The solar radiation (RADPAR -6%) was blow average as compared to the 15YA. The high precipitation was mainly due to above-average precipitation in January, late March and mid-April. Therefore, thanks to the good performance of precipitation and temperature, the biomass had a 15% increase, which was beneficial for winter wheat. The national CALF was 98%, which was 4% above the 5YA. Winter wheat production is expected to be above average.

The national average VCIx was 0.97. Crop Production Index (CPI) was 1.26. The NDVI departure cluster profiles indicate that: 84.2% of arable land experienced above-average crop conditions during the monitoring period spread over the country. 10.1% of arable land experienced below-average crop conditions during the monitoring period, scattered over east Hungary. 5.8% of arable land experienced below-average crop conditions in January and early February, but return to above average from middle February to April. 

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 above average for all the four subregions (+3%, +6%, +2% and +3%, respectively).

Central Hungary (87) 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 above average in the whole period. Agro-climatic conditions presented above-average precipitation (RAIN +6%) and temperature (TEMP +1.1°C), and below-average radiation (RADPAR -3%). Biomass (BIOMSS +16%) was above average mainly due to higher precipitation and temperature, which conducive to the growth of winter wheat. The VCIx was 0.97. The CPI was 1.19. The crop conditions in this region are above average.

The Puszta (86) 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 above average in the whole period. Agro-climatic conditions presented above-average precipitation (RAIN +10%) and temperature (TEMP +1.0°C), and below-average radiation (RADPAR -4%). Biomass (BIOMSS +13%) was above average mainly due to higher precipitation and temperature, which conducive to the growth of winter wheat. The VCIx was 1.00. The CPI was 1.26. The crop conditions in this region are above average.

Northern Hungary (88) is another important winter wheat region. According to the NDVI development graphs, the values were above average in the whole period. Agro-climatic conditions presented above-average precipitation (RAIN +6%) and temperature (TEMP +1.2°C), and below-average radiation (RADPAR -6%). Biomass (BIOMSS +12%) was above average mainly due to higher precipitation and temperature, which was beneficial for the growth of winter wheat. The VCIx was 0.97. The CPI was 1.18. The crop conditions in this region are above average.

Southern Transdanubia (89) cultivates winter wheat, maize, and sunflower, mostly in Somogy and Tolna counties. According to the NDVI development graphs, the values were above average in early January, below average in middle January, close to average in February and above average between March and April. Agro-climatic conditions presented above-average precipitation (RAIN +32%) and temperature (TEMP +0.9°C), but radiation was below average  (RADPAR -8%), which resulted in a above-average biomass (BIOMSS +19%). The maximum VCI was favorable at 0.92. The CPI was 1.25. The crop conditions in this region are above average.

Figure.3.18 Hungary's crop condition, January-April 2023

(a). Phenology of major crops

(b) Maximum VCI

(c) Spatial distribution of NDVI profiles

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

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

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

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

(h) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI, Time series precipitation 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 2023 

Table 3.28 Hungary's agronomic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 5YA, January - April  2023