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

08.06.2017 577 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
05.08.2026

Canada - Crop development on track in southeast despite weather, gophers

The Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture says the recent heatwave has led to the rapid development of crops, according to the latest weekly crop report. The heat also contributed to haying progress.

05.08.2026

Spain - The Government launches aid to boost agricultural insurance against climate risks

The Generalitat reinforces the Agricultural Insurance Plan 2026 with almost 29 million and greater subsidies to lower the premiums against climate risks.

05.08.2026

USA - USDA extends crop insurance premium terms, confirms 5% prevent plant buy up

Citing ongoing challenges to the U.S. farm economy, USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) announced temporary premium payment flexibilities and reinstatement of the option to purchase additional 5% prevented planting coverage.

05.08.2026

India - Rajasthan tops country with over 10 million hectares under crop insurance

Rajasthan has emerged as the national leader in the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), providing financial protection to millions of farmers against crop losses caused by natural calamities and adverse weather conditions, officials said on Wednesday.

05.08.2026

USA - Webinar explains new forage revenue protection insurance program

For the first time, many forage producers have access to the Forage Production Revenue Protection insurance program, which provides protection against both yield and price losses. 

05.08.2026

India - Floodwaters recede in Balasore, damaged homes and crop loss reported

The situation across flood-affected regions of Balasore district remains critical even though the water levels finally receded after three days of inundation. Residents in affected areas have begun assessing the damage and attempting to repair their damaged homes.

04.08.2026

The rising cost of severe weather for South African farmers

Severe weather events across South Africa continue to expose the agricultural sector to escalating climate-related risks. While hail remains a major concern, farmers are increasingly having to contend with multiple weather hazards – from strong winds and heavy rainfall to localised flooding and unseasonal conditions – often during the same production cycle.

04.08.2026

Philippines - Go pushes expanded agriculture insurance

SEN. Bong Go urged the government to expand crop insurance, post-harvest infrastructure, and financing programs to protect the agriculture sector from mounting risks and ensure the country’s food security.