Growers in the Spanish province of Alicante have greatly benefited from the rains recorded on Monday, according to Asaja Young Farmers. The rainfall has had a particularly positive impact on citrus fruits, vegetables and medlars, as well as on rainfed crops, such as cherries, cereals, almonds, vine and olive trees.
The winter fruits and vegetables of Bajo Vinalopó and Vega Baja, which respectively recorded 82 litres and 60 litres of rainfall per square metre, are some of the crops that have benefited the most from the rains in the province of Alicante. The high temperatures (over 25 degrees Celsius) and the west wind recorded last week, had anticipated the end of the winter vegetable campaign in these areas, and producers did not think it would continue beyond March; nevertheless, these rains have given new life to these plantations and, with the current irrigation resources, the campaign will now likely last until May.
The region's spring-summer crops, namely watermelons, courgettes or melons, will see their planting delayed by about 15-20 days because of these rains, but without major consequences. Moreover, the citrus crops of the Vega Baja have received a very generous irrigation which has also significantly reduced the salinity of the Segura, so prospects point to larger calibres, an improvement in the quality and a better flowering.
Callosa d'En Sarrià, which recorded an average of 150 litres per square metre, is starting with the harvest and it will soon be in full swing. Producers in the area point out that only some very specific damages have been recorded, such as the cracking of some fruit, but in general, this rainfall will be beneficial. "These rains have been extraordinary for the medlar campaign, because they will contribute to the quality and calibre of the pieces. Furthermore, there were still some areas with infrastructures broken by the storms of December and January and where it had not been possible to irrigate, so the trees have received a very generous irrigation that will be very beneficial," concludes the president of Asaja Callosa D'En Sarrià, Rafael Gregori.
