Hungary's Farmers Battle Against Drought Strain: A Drying Future

Farmers in Hungary's crucial southern agricultural zone are struggling with worsening drought conditions attributed to climate change, impacting crop yields and groundwater levels. This situation forces some to consider moving or seeking alternative employment.

The flatlands between the Tisza and Danube rivers are known for crops like corn, grain, and sunflower seeds. However, scientists are increasingly alarmed as rising temperatures and insufficient rainfall threaten the area's agricultural viability. Despite recent rainfall, the Hungarian meteorological service reports central Hungary's soil remains critically dry, with summer crops severely affected.

Krisztian Kisjuhasz, a beekeeper from Ladanybene, typically relocates his bees back to his farm post-honey season in July to prepare for winter. However, this year, he moved his bees under cover of night to a flood zone 80 kilometers away to access pollen, as last year's drought caused a 30% loss in his bees. The associated costs have forced him to consider selling his family farm and raising honey prices.

The Hungarian government initiated a project worth 5 billion forints to clean canals and emphasize water retention, but Prime Minister Viktor Orban notes these efforts can only mitigate drought damage. In 2022, drought inflicted 1000 billion forints in losses on the agricultural sector, contributing to two-decade high inflation rates in Hungary.

Farmer Csaba Toldi from Jaszszentlaszlo experienced losses for the first time due to the drought impacting his grasslands. He stresses the urgent need for water return to the Homokhátság region through channels or retention efforts to prevent the area from completely drying out.

(With inputs from agencies.)