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

08.06.2017 469 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
09.04.2026

Moldova - Farmers received 117 million lei in insurance subsidies

The Agency for Investments and Payments in Agriculture (AIPA) announced that it has completed the payment of insurance subsidies (70% of the amount of insurance premiums) for 654 farmer applications received between February 1 and September 30, 2025. The total amount of subsidies to this category for last year amounted to LE 117.08 million.

09.04.2026

Philippines - Antique farmers urged to plant drought-resistant crops ahead of El Niño

The Antique Office of the Provincial Agriculturist is advising farmers to grow drought-resistant crops in preparation for the possible effects of El Niño.

09.04.2026

India - Farmers Urge Govt To Work On Climate Change Policy, Develop Climate-Resilient Crop Varieties

Farmers who lost their Rabi crops due to untimely hailstorms, rain, and strong winds say compensation is not a foolproof solution to the issue. Instead, the government should develop a comprehensive climate change policy and focus on developing climate-resilient crop varieties, seeds that can withstand excess moisture, resist lodging from strong winds, or mature early enough to escape erratic weather.

09.04.2026

Farmers proffer solutions to tackle Nigeria’s $10bn annual post-harvest losses

Some farmers in the country have proffered workable solutions to address Nigeria’s growing post-harvest losses estimated at $10 billion annually.

09.04.2026

India - Pre-monsoon season emerging as new high-risk period for crops, analysis shows

The monsoon has long been seen as the most destructive season for Indian agriculture, with heavy rains and floods between June and September damaging crops across large areas.

09.04.2026

Azerbaijan plans to insure new crops and boost payments for flood damages

The scope of the agricultural insurance system in Azerbaijan is being expanded, and along with the insurance of new products, the volume of payments for flood and inundation losses is expected to increase, Deputy Chairperson of the Agricultural Insurance Fund (AIF), Laman Aliyeva-Mamishova, told Trend.

08.04.2026

South Korean hail damages 802 hectares of crops in South Jeolla

In South Jeolla Province, a hailstorm caused damage to more than 800 hectares of crops, with the impact concentrated in Naju, the country's main pear production area. This has raised concerns about the 2026 harvest.

08.04.2026

Corn leafhopper caused US$25.8 billion loss over four years in Brazil

The corn leafhopper (Dalbulus maidis), which is considered the crop’s main pest, has caused billions in losses to Brazilian production. A new study has quantified the economic impact of corn stunt diseases on Brazilian production.