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

08.06.2017 583 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
13.08.2026

Dutch growers invest in oxygen-rich water for a more robust crop

A healthy root system starts with clean, oxygen-rich water. In the Netherlands, gerbera grower EveryD Flowers and bell pepper grower De Tuindershoek have both been looking for ways to further improve their water quality.

13.08.2026

India - 23,309-hectare crop hit by El Niño, full study soon: Minister R Vinoth

The minister said districts had received uneven rainfall following the El Niño event, affecting crops under cultivation. The government would take further action if drought conditions persisted in accordance with prescribed norms.

13.08.2026

USA - Storm-damaged crops prompt Iowa State Extension meeting in Jones, Linn counties

Farmers and landowners dealing with storm-damaged corn and soybean fields in eastern Iowa will have an opportunity next week to get advice from Iowa State University Extension specialists.

13.08.2026

Canada had one of the worst Julys ever for hail damage

In Saskatchewan, the week of July 3-10 was particularly destructive.

13.08.2026

USA - DOJ: Slocomb man sentenced for crop insurance fraud

A Slocomb man has been federally sentenced for making a false statement to the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC).

13.08.2026

India - Crop insurance registrations in Maharashtra rise to 81.4 lakh after 10-day extension

Maharashtra's crop insurance registrations reached 81.4 lakh after a ten-day extension. This increase followed initial lower enrollment due to past scheme dissatisfaction. 

12.08.2026

Sri Lanka - Rs. 2.5 Million Insurance Coverage introduced for farm houses

The Agricultural and Agrarian Insurance Board has announced a new insurance scheme to cover farm houses used for cattle, buffalo, goats, and pigs, aiming to safeguard farmers against climate and disaster risks.

12.08.2026

USA - 2026 Midwest Storms Flatten Corn as 100-Mph Winds Raise Crop Loss and Market Fears

Violent winds, tornadoes and flooding hit Midwest farms, flattening corn and raising concerns over yields, insurance claims and harvest costs.