Fruit growers in the region are currently experiencing significant challenges due to fluctuating weather patterns. Following recent concerns regarding drought conditions, cherry cultivators are now expressing distress over excessive rainfall, which is negatively impacting the crop. Valter Kumar, a fruit grower from Hum in Brda, reported that cherries are already showing signs of rotting on the trees, projecting a potential yield reduction of 40 percent.
He noted that while current damage stands at 50 percent, the full extent of the losses remains uncertain. Aleksij Mavrič, representing growers from Kojsko, indicated that the failure of the initial cherry variety is a possibility, suggesting that the harvest may need to wait for subsequent varieties to ripen. Furthermore, Radovan Jelina, President of the Brda Fruit Growers Association, observed visible damage resulting from the combination of rain and wind over the last two days.
Jelina estimated an initial loss of 20 percent, with the actual reduction potentially being greater depending on the specific tree and location. In response to the adverse conditions and to maximize potential gains, growers are reportedly expediting the harvest of the most sought-after early fruits during periods of clear, sunny weather. These fluctuating conditions present immediate difficulties for the agricultural sector as they navigate unexpected weather volatility.
