A representative of the Agricultural Chamber and irrigation associations in the Zagora province, has urgently appealed to the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, Forests, and Rural Development, as well as the Governor of Zagora Province, for rapid intervention to compensate farmers affected by the thunderstorm that hit the province last week. According to the request, which Yabiladi has reviewed, those affected by the storm have called for urgent measures to mitigate the effects of the severe weather that struck several areas in the province. The storm, accompanied by heavy rains and large hailstones, reportedly caused severe damage to agricultural crops, including near-total destruction of the date crop (palm dates) and widespread destruction of various types of gourds and watermelon which was affected at 80%. The losses also impacted grain crops such as wheat and barley, in addition to the destruction of summer vegetable crops. The damage also included a complete loss of the tomato crop and a sudden halt in support requests, further exacerbating the farmers' plight. Some sheep perished, henna crops were damaged, and solar panels used in irrigation and drinking systems were destroyed, while farmers suffered significant losses in fodder crops, forcing them to purchase feed amid difficult economic conditions. The affected parties emphasized that this natural disaster has left serious social and economic impacts, necessitating urgent and effective intervention by the relevant authorities to ensure the continuation of agricultural activities and protect the livelihood of hundreds of rural families in the Fayja area, part of the Trnate community and leadership in the Zagora province.
