Hungarian farmers struggling to plant seeds in bone-dry soil; agriculture on the brink of collapse amid desert-like conditions

The southern regions of the Great Hungarian Plain, one of the country’s breadbaskets, have been struggling with extremely low precipitation for a decade. Some farmers are now planting seeds in bone-dry soil. However, without adequate irrigation, they stand little chance of growing crops that will yield a harvest. In response to the rapidly changing climate, some Hungarian farmers are considering contacting their Mediterranean counterparts to introduce Mediterranean plants to Hungary.

Farmers plant in bone-dry soil

According to RTL Klub, a Hungarian commercial TV channel, more and more farmers are being forced to plant seeds in bone-dry soil in the southern regions of the Great Hungarian Plain. The channel reports that only 70mm of precipitation has fallen between January and May. Moreover, no more than 5mm fell on any single day, and due to strong gusts, that rain quickly evaporated from the fields.

As a result, adequate irrigation has become essential, but it is not possible everywhere. In some areas, high-voltage power lines obstruct mechanised irrigation. One example of this can be seen in the photo below. Consequently, only half of the land is irrigated. The difference is striking:

Mediterranean plants

In April, only 5mm of precipitation fell instead of the usual 30mm. According to farmers, only the rains in May can save this year’s harvest. Over the next few days, a Mediterranean cold front is expected to bring rain and lower temperatures to Hungary, following several days of summer-like weather with temperatures exceeding 30°C. We hope the farmers’ expectations are correct.

• Severe weather warning issued: Hungary braces for dangerous storms, high winds, and hail this weekend – read more HERE

Since the lack of precipitation has been a consistent issue for more than a decade, local farmers have decided to seek advice from their Mediterranean colleagues. It is possible that they may begin growing different plants in the future, as the country’s climate is increasingly Mediterranean rather than the humid continental climate it once had.

You can read more articles on Hungarian agriculture HERE.

Read also:

• Rising costs and labour shortages drive Hungarian agriculture to hire Filipino guest workers – read more HERE
• New 10,000 km² European sand desert forming in Hungary: Over 620,000 lives at risk