Winter vegetables in Elche fall 6% this season

Despite unusually high temperatures and low rainfall, the Elche countryside (Alicante Province, Valencia Region) is anticipating a production of 18,500,000 kilos of excellent quality winter vegetables, with a slight decrease of 6% compared to the previous season (19,500,000 kg), according to ASAJA Elche.

 

Artichoke, an emblematic crop in the locality, was affected by the inclement weather. ASAJA Elche estimates that the traditional variety "Blanca de Tudela" will not exceed 9,000,000 kilos due to the reduction of the cultivated area to 550 hectares. This is due to the insecurity in the supply of water resources during last summer, coinciding with the sowing season.

 

Despite this decrease, there has been a noticeable shift towards the hybrid variety this year. Growers are adopting it because of its excellent production, resistance to inclement weather, lower water requirements and resistance to plant pathogens and soil diseases.

 

Other vegetables, such as green potatoes, were also affected by the drought and the reduction in water from the Tagus-Segura water transfer, anticipating a harvest of 1,000,000 kg of smaller calibre.

 

In the case of broad beans

, the early varieties did not meet expectations due to the lack of cold weather, resulting in an estimated harvest of only 500,000 kilos, 50% less than the previous year.

 

Despite the downward trend in the production of winter vegetables, cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, romanesco, cauliflower, cabbage, radish and rocket are the exception and are experiencing an increase. More than 8,000,000 kilograms of these vegetables, which have opted for new varieties that are more resistant to climate change, are expected to be harvested.

 

In short, despite the challenges, the Elche countryside is dedicating 1,300 hectares to growing winter vegetables, maintaining its commitment despite the economic and climatic difficulties.

 

 

 

fuente: infoagro.com