Agriculture in Hungary and Slovakia faces rising drought risks

Agricultural experts and stakeholders in Hungary and Slovakia are addressing the increasing challenges of drought and unpredictable precipitation patterns caused by climate change. In Hungary, the National Agricultural Chamber (NAK) highlights the necessity of dryland farming techniques, which focus on maximizing soil moisture through careful crop selection—such as transitioning from corn to sorghum—and water-retaining soil management.

Discussions in Hungary emphasize the need for urgent regulatory changes, improved support systems, and integrated water management strategies to combat the environmental crisis. Experts note that while annual rainfall may not have changed drastically, its erratic distribution leads to critical water shortages during vital plant growth stages.

In Dunajská Streda, Slovakia, a professional conference organized by Pro Hungarica Communitate and the Slovak Chamber of Agriculture examined the economic and climatic impacts of drought in Southern Slovakia. Participants stressed that farmers cannot manage these climate shifts alone and called for increased government involvement and scientific cooperation to ensure long-term agricultural sustainability in the Carpathian Basin.