This is the largest mango production region in the country, "The full extent of the loss to the mango crop in that region has not been established, but initial indications are that it could be around 20%," explains Derek Donkin CEO of Subtrop.Citrus is also grown in Hoedspruit, but the extent of the damage is not yet known.
On Saturday and Sunday there were good rains in Nelspruit and Tzaneen areas, "This brought respite from the hot dry weather that we had been having for the preceding two weeks. More rain, however, is needed," according to Craig McBain, CEO from major avocado producer Halls.
He said that the avocado production is further north in the Tzaneen area and was not affected by the hail.