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

08.06.2017 655 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
11.11.2026

Scotland introduces bird flu prevention zone for keepers

A Scotland-wide Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) has been introduced following an increase in cases of bird flu in wild and kept birds.

11.11.2026

India - Training for 56 master trainers on crop insurance from today

Two-day programme to focus on effective implementation of PMFBY and speedy settlement of farmers’ claims.

11.11.2026

A pilot programme for wheat crop insurance is being launched in Kyrgyzstan

OJSC ‘State Insurance Organisation’ has developed a new voluntary crop insurance product for winter and spring wheat. The programme is intended for farms and smallholder holdings, as well as agricultural enterprises.

10.11.2026

Pakistan Expands Digital Agricultural Lending and Insurance Support for Small Farmers

The State Bank-led initiative combines collateral-free loans, digitised land records, warehouse financing, crop insurance and risk-sharing measures to widen formal credit access for underserved farmers across the country.

10.11.2026

India - Twin storms wipe out 4.61 lakh hectares of Andhra crops

Recent cyclones ‘Arnab’ and ‘Murasu’ damaged agricultural crops across 4,61,194 hectares in Andhra Pradesh, officials confirmed on Tuesday.

10.11.2026

Australia - Farm fire at Notts Well destroys harvester, causes $65,000 damage

A Mid Murray farmer faces a fight to bring in his best crop in years as harvest season gets underway.

10.11.2026

China trials harvesting robots for greenhouse asparagus

Greenhouse asparagus cultivation in Lianshui County, Jiangsu Province, China, covers more than 1,333 hectares, with annual harvests of 50,000 tons valued at over 1 billion yuan (US$150 million). The county accounts for approximately 30 per cent of China's greenhouse-grown asparagus output.

10.11.2026

U.S. blueberry growers face higher labor and replanting costs

Blueberry growers in West Michigan are preparing for higher labor costs in 2027 as the minimum wage is set to increase to US$15 per hour.