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

08.06.2017 368 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
21.12.2025

Fiji - Rabi Island calls for agricultural independence to unlock economic potential

Currently under the jurisdiction of Taveuni, the island administrator argues that Rabi’s potential is being stifled by a lack of localized resources.

21.12.2025

India - Farmers in Andaman & Nicobar to Get Free Crop Insurance Under PMFBY for Rabi 2025–26

The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), the Government of India’s flagship crop insurance scheme, has been notified for implementation across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands for the Rabi 2025–26 season, offering comprehensive insurance coverage to farmers against crop losses caused by natural calamities and unforeseen events.

21.12.2025

USA - Kentucky Agricultural Development Board approves more than $600,000 for projects across the Commonwealth

Funded projects focus on agricultural diversification, rural development.

21.12.2025

Moldovan agriculture minister explains why shelf quotas are not enough

The promotion of local agri-food products must rely on real visibility, fair access in commercial networks and consumers’ education, not on imposing rigid quotas regarding shelf space. Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Ludmila Catlabuga has made statements to this effect, in the context of public debates on the proposal to reserve up to 50 per cent of the linear length of store shelves for local products.

21.12.2025

India - Kashmir growers wait for crop insurance despite rising climate risks

Even as climate change intensifies and weather patterns grow increasingly erratic, Kashmir’s horticulture sector – turnover valued at nearly Rs 15,000 crore annually – continues to function without any crop insurance cover, leaving thousands of fruit growers exposed to mounting financial risk.

21.12.2025

Irish fishing industry wants government to sue EU over quotas

The Irish fishing industry wants the country’s government to sue the E.U. over recent sharp cuts to Ireland’s fishing quotas for 2026. 

18.12.2025

USA - DeSantis Administration Approves $27.4 Million in Conservation and Agricultural Land Protections

Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet on Tuesday approved the protection of more than 21,500 acres of conservation and agricultural land across the state, committing $27.4 million through the Florida Forever and Rural and Family Lands Protection programs.

18.12.2025

India - Shivamogga arecanut growers reel under rising losses due to crop diseases

The affected area expanded widely, reflecting the growing impact of the diseases on one of the district’s key plantation crops.