“Technological modernisation and a change of mindset are not only essential for the future of agriculture, but are also being forced by changes in nature and agriculture”, Minister of Agriculture István Nagy said on Friday in Kalocsa.
In his opening speech at the innovation demonstration and farmers’ day of the Agricultural Community, the Minister pointed out: “40% more protein will be required in ten years and 70% more food by 2050, while we will have access to 30% less arable land and 40% less drinking water”.
He emphasised that the tasks we face cannot be solved with purely agricultural knowledge. “Openness, and the awareness, integration and application of multidisciplinary knowledge are essential”, he stated. The Minister argued that competitiveness can only be improved through supporting generational renewal, as it is important that young people get a feel for farming and adapt to this lifestyle.
István Nagy recalled that Hungarian agriculture has undergone enormous changes since 2010, as its output has increased by over 50%. According to the Minister, following technological modernisation and investments, by 2020-2021 the improvement in yields and performance will be remarkable and measurable. He said that in the coming years the Ministry will work hard to improve farmers’ profitability. “This is best measured by the income they will be able to realise on one hectare”, he added.
Mr. Nagy also mentioned that the tender for ecological and organic farmers with a total budget of HUF 12 billion budget is still open. There is also a HUF 40 billion tender for proposals promoting investments within the food industry, and a HUF 10 billion tender for the development of the grape and wine industry. “There are also funds available for farm development”, he added.
Director-General of the National Agricultural Research and Innovation Centre Csaba Gyuricza said he believes that the key to present and future agriculture is agricultural innovation, the well-defined directions and tasks of which clearly help farmers. “The Ministry’s role is particularly important here as the readiness of Hungarian farmers to integrate and apply innovation, as well as their willingness to cooperate with other farmers, remains very low and definitely needs to be improved”, he stated.
Mr. Gyuricza stressed that agricultural output and competitiveness can only be improved by adapting to climate change, through irrigation and irrigation development, preparation for and openness to technological changes, and the use of digital technologies.