Drought, poor harvest, technological breakthroughs – this is how the 2025 agricultural season ended

“We are closing a very difficult year in Hungarian agriculture. While record yields are expected in other parts of the world, for example in corn, domestic and regional producers are facing serious losses. Although prices have remained relatively stable, yield averages and the outlook for next year are currently gloomy”

– assessed the situation Tamás Tóth, head of seed marketing at Syngenta.

Different results in the main crops

In the case of grain cereals, including winter wheat grown on 1 million hectares, Hungarian farmers recorded a mediocre harvest this year, which also had a positive effect on autumn sowings. In the case of staple crops – maize and sunflower, however, they yielded poor results due to the drought that lasted from spring to the end of summer and the unusually cold weather.

Maize is around the breakeven point in a significant part of the Great Plain, but remains below it in many regions. Even in the traditionally good Transdanubian regions, there is a significant lag, so this year’s maize harvest is expected to not fully cover domestic needs, according to Syngenta’s assessment. The situation is more favorable in the case of sunflower: although the national average here is not a record either, many farms can report outstanding results. The reason for this is that producers are increasingly consciously choosing hybrids and technology, recognizing that sunflower is now one of the most profitable crops in our country. The drought-tolerant crop will certainly be decisive in the future of domestic agriculture.

Climate change: challenge and adaptation

According to Syngenta, the impact of climate change on Hungarian agriculture is now tangible. In some regions, farming is impossible, but at the same time technology, genetics and digitalization offer new opportunities.

“Thanks to modern genetics, data-based decision-making and artificial intelligence, we have more opportunities than ever. But this requires a change in perspective: instead of conservative approaches, producers must open up to new solutions”

– emphasized Tamás Tóth.

Data-based decisions and precision solutions

In Hungarian agriculture, every decision should be made rationally and based on data. Syngenta’s Cropwise digital toolkit provides support in this, helping farmers choose the right hybrid, nutrient and plant protection strategy. Drought tolerance is now a basic requirement in Hungary, but even resistant hybrids cannot compensate for all conditions. The key to success is site-specific hybrid selection, the integration of precision farming and biological solutions.

“Precision farming is not a goal, but a tool towards sustainability. We cannot influence the weather, but we can reduce risks with data-based decisions. Artesian hybrids, A.I.R. technology and our biological solutions all help in this. By sowing and treating the right drought- and disease-resistant hybrid with the right number of plants, nutrients and plant protection and plant care technology, we can reduce the risks caused by the weather.”

– added the expert.

Shared development, shared results

Syngenta’s “We are developing together” program continues to run with great success across the country. The initiative aims to make producers think not only in terms of individual plants, but also in terms of crop rotation, since the impact of plants on each other also determines long-term success. This year, the program has also been extended to corn, and interest in the initiative is growing year by year. Syngenta will soon present in detail the experiences and results of the year 2025, which could show a new direction for sustainable Hungarian agriculture.

Agriculture of the future: knowledge, innovation and cooperation

Syngenta’s long-term goal is to remain a key player in Hungarian agriculture. From the best genetics to the most innovative crop protection and digital solutions, it carries out comprehensive developments in order to find answers to any challenge together with farmers.