Spain - Storm destroys all apricots yet to be harvested in Caravaca

08.06.2017 542 views
The recent hailstorm recorded in the municipalities of Caravaca and Moratalla unfortunately had very negative consequences. It especially affected the districts of Barranda, Singla and La Almudema, where hailstones of two to four centimetres in diameter were observed.
Agricultural producers suffered the biggest problems, as both the rain and hail damaged the apricots that had yet to be harvested
Pedro Guerrero, head for the Nuts department at Fecoam, explained that this storm has affected "the little apricot that had yet to be harvested, as well as the olives that were now in the middle of the setting stage, which although still small, may have suffered a lot of damage," he lamented.
Guerrero also recalled that this hail has affected the cereal that was still unharvested. Lastly, he recalled that "at a foliar level, it has caused damage to all trees, and in the almond sector, it may have damaged the tree more than the fruit," explaining that "these losses of foliage caused by hail affect the tree's health at a time when it may be difficult for it to continue bearing the fruit it had in all its branches."
The vehicles that were circulating the roads in the area at that time were also surprised by the severe storm, which left up to 17 litres per square meter in an hour in some places. The drivers had to take refuge in petrol stations and restaurants of the area until the storm was over. In the hamlet of Barranda, more than half a dozen cars were damaged, as the hail broke their windscreens.
The roads also suffered the impact of the storm, especially the one connecting Caravaca and Venta de Cavila, as well as the access to some districts, where several dry riverbeds were flooded.
The authorities asked everyone to take all possible precautions.
Source - laopiniondemurcia.es
18.06.2026

Sri Lanka expands crop insurance to protect farmers from climate risks

Sri Lanka's Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board has expanded crop insurance programs to give farmers stronger protection against natural disasters and climate-related risks, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation said in a statement on Thursday.

18.06.2026

India - Bengal to finally join Fasal Bima, Bihar may follow suit

Amid forecasts of a below-normal monsoon, West Bengal will rejoin the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) this kharif season, followed by Bihar in the upcoming rabi season, significantly expanding India's agrarian safety net.

18.06.2026

Heavy rain causes NT$67 million in agricultural losses across Taiwan

Continuous heavy rainfall since June 8 has caused agricultural losses totaling NT$67.56 million (US$2.14 million), with peanuts accounting for the largest share of the damage, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.

18.06.2026

A modern quarantine zone for livestock will be built in Kyrgyzstan

On June 18, 2026, a meeting took place at the Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic between First Deputy Minister Ilich Marsbek uulu and a delegation from the Saudi Development Fund. 

18.06.2026

Raccoons ravage watermelon fields in Japan's Chiba Pref. as damage mounts

A surge in raccoon numbers in Chiba Prefecture in eastern Japan has left watermelon farmers struggling as the nocturnal animals devour fruit just before harvest. 

18.06.2026

USA - Florida Tries to Block Rescue Pets from New Mexico and Texas as Screwworm Spreads

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Pets has barred pets rescued from shelters in Texas and New Mexico in a beefed-up effort to stop the spread of the New World Screwworm pest that infests livestock.

16.06.2026

India - Harish Rao accuses Congress govt of plotting to scrap crop bonus

BRS deputy floor leader T Harish Rao accused the Congress government of conspiring to phase out the crop bonus scheme by limiting it to just seven paddy varieties, despite promising Rs 500 bonus for all varieties in its manifesto.

16.06.2026

CBE and EIC Forge Historic Partnership to Advance Ethiopia’s Financial Sector

​The Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) and the Ethiopian Insurance Corporation (EIC) have signed a historic partnership agreement to elevate their long-standing cooperation.