|
Hungary agriculture plays a major role in the economy of the country as 85% of the county is suitable for agricultural activities. The main factors responsible for the growth of Hungary’s agriculture are fertile lands, availability of water and a favorable climate. Hungary has the highest amount of flowing water per resident.
According to recent survey, agriculture accounted for 6.6% of the GDP in the year 1996 and it provided employment opportunities for more than 8% of the total working population. Although the share has decreased significantly in the current years, agriculture still occupies a prominent position in Hungarian economy. Hungary is also the major exporter of agricultural goods and food items and these earn a substantial amount of foreign exchange for the country.
Hungarian agricultural fields occupy two-thirds of the total land area. Agricultural crops cover 80% of the total agricultural area while permanent grasslands occupy less than 1.5 Mio ha. The main agricultural crops are cereals, which cover 80% of the total arable land. Maize and wheat account for 85% of the total cereal production and 90% of the total cereal export. Sunflower, sugarbeet, vegetables and barley are the other common agricultural products of Hungary.
In terms of export, meat, vegetable, cereals, wine and processed food account for half of the total export trade while animal fodder dominates the import trade. Hungary is one of the balanced economies which enjoy a proper balance of import and export in agricultural products.
|
