Tuesday's hailstorm damages over 2,000 hectares of crops in Segrià

Hailstorms have severely impacted sweet fruit production across several towns in the Lleida region.

Generic image of fruit damaged by a hailstorm in an orchard.
IA

Generic image of fruit damaged by a hailstorm in an orchard.

A severe hailstorm and heavy rain on Tuesday affected nearly 2,030 hectares of farmland in the Lleida fruit-growing area, causing significant damage to the harvest.

According to initial estimates from the Department of Agriculture, production losses range between 40% and 60% in the hardest-hit areas. The storm front, which moved across the Segrià region from west to east, particularly impacted municipalities such as Torres de Segre, Juneda, Puigverd de Lleida, and Sudanell.
Experts note that the hail, with an average diameter of one centimeter, primarily affected sweet fruit, including both stone and pome varieties. The most sensitive species, such as nectarines and apricots, suffered the most severe damage, although incidents were also recorded in apples, pears, and some cereal and corn fields.
This is the third hailstorm to hit the area this spring. While some farms were able to minimize losses thanks to anti-hail netting, many producers are facing commercial depreciation of their produce, as skin abrasions significantly reduce market value.