In the district of Ballarat (Victoria, Australia), a strong hurricane destroyed about 95% of the potatoes of the new crop. According to preliminary estimates, the storm damaged 2 hectares of this crop, according to the ABC News portal.
In the first week of January, a hurricane hit the Ballarat region in southern Australia. Past thunderstorms, hail and squally winds are estimated by farmers to have destroyed 90% to 95% of the potato crop.
According to statistics, about 50% of all potatoes in the state of Victoria come from Ballarat. Approximately 130 tons of seed potatoes are grown there.
The hardest-hit growers could lose up to 70% of their potato crop this season due to storm damage, Ballarat Potato Growers Association chairman Chris Stevens said. With the least damage, potato losses will be about 20%.
In addition, damage was also caused to grain crops, the cultivation of which also makes up a significant share in the district's agriculture. According to some estimates, grain producers will lose from 30% to 80% of the crop.