Research related to drought protection and water management is of paramount importance

By: STA Date: 2025. 05. 14. 11:00

Research and development related to drought and water management are of key importance for the sustainability of agriculture. The knowledge available at the Karcag National Climate and Landscape Research Center of the Hungarian University of Agricultural and Life Sciences can be the driving force behind the related efforts – said Imre Hubai, State Secretary for Agriculture at the Ministry of Agriculture, at the ceremony organized on the occasion of the establishment of the institution.

(Photo: Pixabay)

Climate change is one of the most important global challenges of our time, which affects many economic sectors, especially agriculture – highlighted Imre Hubai, who believes that responsible water management is essential for successful agricultural production, not only for farmers, but also for future generations. He added that the necessary resources can only be generated through a well-thought-out economic policy. The government is committed not only to providing resources, but also to launching programs that – with the help of European Union funds – relieve the burden on farmers and actors in the water sector. For this reason, the Drought Protection Operational Group was established, and the Agro-ecological Program or the Water into the Landscape Program also help in this, he listed.

The Inter-Ministerial Committee for Water Management was established with the cooperation of the Ministry of Agriculture

One of the body’s main tasks is to coordinate long-term strategies for water management. He also mentioned research into drought-tolerant plant varieties and the development of moisture-conserving technologies as examples. According to the State Secretary, the future of former water associations (now watershed communities), landscape use, market protection and food security must be reconsidered. “The scientific results of the past decades are now particularly appreciated, as we see how much the knowledge accumulated by researchers is needed. The common goal is to develop a more sustainable model based on applied research and national development, which also fits the new challenges of the Great Plain agriculture,” he emphasized. He then wished that the Karcag research center would continue to provide the scientific and innovation background for the domestic adaptation of sustainable agricultural practices in the future, while strengthening the indispensable educational, advisory and demonstration activities. He also mentioned that responsible water management is of great importance in the region, as the Middle Tisza is highly exposed to water resources coming from across the country’s borders. For this reason, it may be necessary to develop water ladders to create the appropriate water reservoir capacity. There are 1,200 kilometers of canal networks on the outskirts of Karcag, the filling of which with water means life and competitiveness, as well as good productivity.