The storm hit just when the farmers were at the point of collecting the almonds and the torrential rain and hail has damaged between 20 to 50 percent of the crop throughout the region.
Calasparra has been badly hit as the almonds carpet the ground.
Experts expect a harvest of some 10 million kilos of almonds (in their shells) in the region this year compared to the average harvest of 35 to
to 40 million kilos.
In Calasparra the estimate is a 50 percent loss of the harvest in the «secano» (dry land without irrigation) and between 20 to 50 percent in other exploitations, constituting a terrible blow for local farmers.
Monday’s storm has affected various areas of Calasparra and include the Baños de Gilico, Quípar river and Las Cumbres, where the damage is particulary significant.
Calasparra Town Hall has declared support for the farmers of Calasparra in this statement:
«We are conscious of the importance that agriculture represents for Calasparra, not only as an economic motor, but also as an essential part of our form of living.
For this, the Town Hall is in contact with the farmers in the sectors that have been affected and are working to assess the damage in order to refer the situation to the relevant administrations to claim the necessary measures and help for farmers facing these losses.»
Editors Note:
Storm damage has also been reported to grapes and olives but, as yet, there is no estimate of the losses.
