In Hungary, winter wheat sowing ended in October. NDVI values were below average during the entire period. Cloud cover and snow on the ground may have caused the large drops in NDVI. However, agro-climatic indicators reveal that the area experienced above-average temperatures (+1.9°C), rainfall (ΔRAIN +35%) and radiation (ΔRADPAR +4%). This resulted in a 25% increase in BIOMSS, but the dry conditions in September and early October delayed the germination of winter wheat, resulting in below average estimates for CALF.

The Crop Production Index (CPI) in Hungary was 0.69. The national average VCIx was 0.71. Cropped arable land fraction (CALF) (80%) was lower by 11% as compared to its 5YA. The NDVI departure cluster profiles indicate that: (1) In western and southern Hungary, crop conditions were below average on 17.3% of the arable land in early and mid-October, but above average for the rest of the monitoring period. (2) 36.4% of arable land experienced below-average crop conditions in early October, above average from middle October to late November, and below average in December and January. (3) 46.3% of arable land, mainly in middle  and eastern Hungary, experienced below-average crop conditions during the entire monitoring period. Based on observations at this stage, CropWatch estimates that crop conditions are below average. But the above average precipitation will be favorable during the green-up period of wheat, which will start in March and April.

Regional analysis

Based on cropping systems, climatic zones and topographic  conditions,  Hungary  is  divided  into  four sub-regions: Northern Hungary (88), Central Hungary (86), the Great Plain (Puszta) (87) and Transdanubia (89). Specific observations for the reporting period are included for each region.

Central Hungary (86) is one of the major agricultural regions. 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 in the entire monitoring period. Agro-climatic indicators show that rainfall (ΔRAIN +42%), Temperature (ΔTEMP +2.0°C) and Radiation (ΔRADPAR +4%) were all above average. BIOMSS had a 31% increase due to the adequate rainfall during this period. The VCIx was 0.71. Cropped arable land fraction (CALF) experienced a 12% decrease compared to the 5YA. The CPI index was 0.71. Based on observations at this stage, CropWatch estimates that the crop situation is still unclear and requires follow-up and continuous observations. It is currently assessed as average.

The Puszta (87) region mainly grows winter wheat, maize and sunflower, especially in the counties of Jaz-Nagykum-Szolnok and Bekes. According to the NDVI development graph, NDVI values were below average throughout the monitoring period. Agroclimatic indicators show that rainfall, temperature and and radiation were all above average (ΔRAIN +39%, ΔTEMP +1.9°C, ΔRADPAR +2%). BIOMSS had a 26% increase due to the adequate rainfall during this period. The maximum VCI was 0.66. CALF experienced a 17% decrease compared to the 5YA. The CPI index was 0.64. Based on the observations at this stage, CropWatch estimates the crop conditions as close to average.

Northern Hungary (88) is a significant area for winter wheat production. According to the NDVI development graphs, NDVI values were below average during the entire monitoring period. Agroclimatic indicators show that the rainfall, temperature and radiation were increased 46%, 1.8°C and 2%, respectively. BIOMSS had a 25% increase due to the adequate rainfall during this period. The maximum VCI was 0.69. CALF experienced a 12% decrease compared to 5YA. The CPI index was 0.65.  Crop conditions are close to average.

Southern Transdanubia (89) cultivates winter wheat, maize, and sunflower, mostly in Somogy and Tolna counties. NDVI trended below average throughout the monitoring period. Rainfall, temperature and radiation were above average (ΔRAIN +26%, ΔTEMP +1.9°C, ΔRADPAR +6%). BIOMSS had a 24% increase due to the adequate rainfall during this period. The maximum VCI was 0.76. CALF experienced a 6% decrease compared to the 5YA. The CPI index was 0.76. Crop conditions are close to average.

Figure 3.19 Hungary's crop condition, October 2023-January 2024

(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) National CPI time series.

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

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

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

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

Table 3.29 Hungary's agronomic indicators by sub-national regions, current srason's values and departure from 15YA, October 2023-January 2024 

Table 3.30 Hungary's agronomic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 5YA, October 2023-January 2024