June 20, 2011

Hungary's wheat production to reach 3.93 million tonnes

Hungary's wheat crop is expected to hit 3.93 million tones this year based on June 4 data, slightly more than 3.76 million tonnes harvested in the previous year, according to the Hungary's Agriculture Ministry on Friday (Jun 17).

That wheat crop, however, would still be 10% below the average of the 2006-10 period, the ministry said.

"Autumn wheat can be harvested on about 950,000 hectares," Agriculture Ministry State Secretary Gyorgy Czervan said.

"The preliminary estimates show an average yield of about four tonnes per hectarebut this is sensitive to developments in the weather. Each crop is very much in need of precipitation."

However, he added that the quality of the wheat crop would be excellent and on top of domestic needs, some of the wheat harvested would be available for export.

The ministry added that the spring barley crop was estimated at 332,465 tonnes, also above 307,000 tonnes harvested in 2010, but roughly 15% below the five-year average.

On autumn barley, the ministry sees the crop at 600,000 tonnes, Czervan said.

The ministry said farmers have signalled planting plans for corn on 1.26 million hectares, 96% of which was completed by May 30.

Farmers have planted corn for silage on 84,122 hectares, while corn for sowing was planted on 20,272 hectares by May 30 of a total 22,791 hectares planned.