The frost in Serbia this spring has impacted fruit crops, with experts reporting approximately 80% of apricots and 65-70% of early cherries destroyed. Damage is noted across Šumadija, western Serbia, southern Banat, and the Subotica-Horgoš region, with yields of apricots, peaches, cherries, sour cherries, and plums potentially reduced by 30-90% due to late April's low temperatures.
Agricultural economist Milan Prostran, in NIN, estimates a reduction of 200,000 tons in Serbia's fruit production. The annual average between 2020-2023 was 1.46 million tons, with last year's output at 1.25 million tons. This year, production is projected between 1.1 and 1.5 million tons.
Prostran noted, "For the second consecutive season, fruit growers are facing weather disasters that reduce their production." Imports, primarily from Albania, Greece, and Turkey, are expected to rise, impacting prices. "This is a result of climate change," he added, highlighting the dilemma of which varieties to cultivate given adverse weather risks.
Prostran emphasized the impact on peaches and cherries, with less damage to sour cherries. Apples, plums, and pears remain largely unaffected. He advocates for modern frost protection, as traditional methods like burning straw bales have proven ineffective. Systems used in Spain and Italy, involving warm water irrigation, are suggested, though costly.
Insurance coverage for frost damage remains limited, and Prostran calls for government support, including loan reprogramming for affected growers. Similar weather challenges are noted in Bulgaria, Romania, and North Macedonia, impacting their fruit production as well.
Source: NIN Online