Hungary's drought threatens sunflower harvest as Romania and Serbia grapple with crop shortfalls

Severe drought conditions are hitting Hungary's agriculture. By late May only 27.4% of the planned 810,700 ha of sunflower sowing had been completed, and rainfall deficits of 70–140 mm have left soils critically dry, with temperatures reaching 40 °C. Farmers warn of significant yield losses for both corn and sunflower.

In neighboring Romania, a historic drought has devastated the Partium region. Record‑low precipitation has dried up wells and rivers, jeopardising drinking water supplies and halving expected corn and sunflower yields to about 4–4.5 t/ha. The lack of rain threatens the livelihood of many family farms.

Serbia, while also facing a hot summer, reports a 3.5% increase in planted sunflower area to 250,816 ha, projecting a potential harvest of up to 677 000 t. Analysts note that the crop tolerates heat and water scarcity, but final yields will depend on whether the extreme heat persists. The country expects to export roughly 180 000 t of sunflower oil and up to 100 000 t of meal.

Together, the three countries illustrate how drought is reshaping sunflower production and broader food security in the region.