A group of protesting Hungarian farmers led two camels through the center of Budapest to draw attention to climate change, which is severely affecting the country's agricultural sector, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.
"The connection between camels and the desert is obvious," said protest organizer Laszlo Kulcar. "We use this idea to draw attention to the gradual transformation of the country into a desert.
Climate change poses serious threats to Hungary, especially the central Homokhatság region, which is particularly important for corn, wheat and sunflower production, scientists warn. In recent years, the sector has suffered huge losses due to the prolonged drought.
The protesters, accompanied by musicians and artists, are demanding that the government do what is necessary to store excess rainwater from periods when it rains for irrigation during the dry season.
"Now rivers are restricted by dams, we have serious flood protection, but we need to manage these waters," says farmer Peter Balog.
The historic drought of 2022 has cost Hungarian agriculture 1 trillion forints ($2.7 billion), the agriculture ministry has admitted.
This year the drought is similar. A report by the Hungarian Meteorological Service released today announced that more than 80 percent of the country's territory is subject to moderate or extreme drought. So far this year, the drought has caused losses of 240 billion forints ($655 million) to corn producers alone, economist Djord Rashko said.