Worst frost in 10 years damages orchards in Turkey

Frosts of up to 15 degrees have damaged apple, apricot, nut orchards and other crops. The authorities have promised to help the affected farmers.

Turkish Agriculture Minister Ibrahim Yumakli reported that the lowest temperatures in the last 30 years have been recorded in some areas of Turkey. A sharp cold snap was observed at different times during March-April, and it was especially severe on April 10-12. Frosts of up to 15 degrees, snowfalls and hail were noted.

“As a result of these unfavorable weather conditions, unfortunately, we have experienced one of the largest agricultural frosts in our history after the severe frosts of 2014,” Yumakli said.

This has led to damage for farmers, and the state intends to support the affected producers, the minister noted.

Yeni Safak writes that Turkish farmers have begun to use unusual methods to prevent damage due to frost. One of the apple producers installed a special irrigation system in his orchard to provide sprinkling during the frost period. The ice crust helps protect the plants from sub-zero temperatures.

The country suffered from apricot and walnut tree plantings, vineyards, potato and onion growing areas. The frosts of 2014 also caused damage to many fruit producers: for example, in the province of Malatya, 80% of the apricot trees froze.

Tags: Turkey