Heavy rain and hailstorms have damaged fruit and vegetable production across southern Brazil. In Paraná and Santa Catarina, farms and rural structures were hit, while local authorities continue to assess losses.
In Paraná, vegetable production areas were among the hardest hit. "It was fast, but devastating," said Leonardo Romero, mayor of Quinta do Sol.
In Campo Mourão, grower Eber Roman reported R$30,000 (US$5,100) in losses after his vegetable crops were destroyed. "What the hail and wind didn't ruin, the heavy rain that followed did," he said. His crops included lettuce, kale, parsley, chives, bok choy, and cabbage. According to local officials, about 80% of one rural community in western Paraná sustained damage.
The Paraná state government has allocated R$50 million (US$8.5 million) for recovery through the State Fund for Public Calamities. Meteorological agency Simepar forecasts temporary relief on November 4, with heavy rain returning the following day.
In Santa Catarina, hail damaged apple orchards in Bom Jardim da Serra. Farmer Douglas Padilha said, "The storm came without warning and with a lot of hail. I don't yet know how much I'll lose, but we already know the crop has been affected. Now I'll file an insurance claim."
The agricultural research agency Epagri reported hail in other apple-producing municipalities, including São Joaquim and Urubici. "There may have been significant individual losses, but I don't believe it was widespread. We need more time for concrete information," said Marlon Francisco Couto, head of Epagri's São Joaquim regional office.
Source: Valor International
