Turkish authorities are calling it one of the worst cold spells in the country’s recent history, with crops including stonefruit, apples, grapes, vegetables and nuts all badly impacted
Turkey has been hit by one of the most severe cold spells in the country’s history, causing extensive damage to crops including apricots, apples, hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, grapes and vegetables, according to a report from Hurriyet Daily.
Temperatures dropped as low as -15oC in certain areas, with frost affecting 36 out of 81 provinces and big crop losses reported in growing regions such as Malatya, Manisa and Isparta.
In the grape-producing province of Manisa, nearly 80 per cent of vineyards have reportedly been damaged. Widespread losses have been reported in Malatya province, which produces roughly 85 per cent of the country’s apricots.
Apricot, walnut and almond trees were also hit hard by frost and snowfall in the Elazığ region. In the southwestern city of Isparta, 40–50 per cent of cherry, peach and apricot crops were apparently affected.
The threat of frost is anticipated to persist, according to authorities, with farmers across the country braced for further damage.
