Experts from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development say that the recent hailstorms and heavy rains have caused significant damage to crops in some regions of the country.

According to experts, one of the most efficient solutions to manage climate risk and prevent damage caused by frequent and unpredictable climate changes is the installation of anti-hail nets to protect production.

Farmers have been assisted over the years for protection and production, thanks to the support schemes offered to them, while agricultural experts suggest as another alternative solution the insurance of farms with an insurance company, which undertakes compensation in case of damage from natural phenomena.

Today, the use of anti-hail nets allows farmers to maintain a continuous supply to the market by reducing the risk of production loss. They also ensure increased quality, minimize damage and reduce agro-technical expenses, etc.

According to data from the Directorates of Agriculture, in Korça and Dibra region, more than 40% of farmers have invested in anti-hail nets, for the management of climatic risk in agriculture, in addition to the expansion of orchards./j.p/r.e/p.s./

Storms with strong winds and hail, the size of a walnut, hit the Stëbleva area in Librazhd on Thursday evening, causing great damage to agricultural crops.

Taulant Balla, whip of the Parliamentary group of the Socialist Party, MP of Elbasan region, published on social networks, photos showing areas of agricultural land in the village of Stëbleva covered by hail and a significant part of damaged agricultural crops.

“Stëbleva, Librazhd. Heavy rains and hail has caused great damage to agricultural crops in the village of Stëbleva”, wrote Balla.

Balla said that he spoke with Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Frida Krifca who immediately set up a working group to verify the damage and support the affected farmers.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Agriculture Dhimo Kote, contacted on phone by ATA, said that, “The group of agricultural experts is on the ground, to identify the balance of damages”.

According to him, the storm has damaged the crops of potato, pepper and cucumber planted in the fields of this area. After the damage is confirmed, there will be taken support measures and there will be provided compensation for the affected farmers. /j.p/p.s./

He emphasized that agriculture should have a “roof”, the construction of greenhouses over large areas.

“May 14 and hail. Climate change is damaging agriculture and the village economy”, he said.

Deputy Prime Minister Erion Braçe added that,“I think of two things; Immediate study of climate change, effects on traditional production seasons, production itself, as a result of farmers’ incomes, so that to work out a new strategy for production cycles, greenhouses; 1000, 2000 hectares are not enough for our agriculture to finally have a roof! “Climate change is forcing us, even urgently,” Braçe said./p.s./