As constant record-breaking heatwaves roll across the Maltese islands, tomato farmers have estimated that a third of their crop this season has been lost. Fearing more losses due to the scorching temperatures, crops such as olives, peppers and pumpkin are also reportedly suffering from the heat spells. Tomatoes form part of a Maltese diet quite prominently, with the production also employing lots of people to farm them.
Speaking to Times of Malta, Korperattiva tat-Tadam ghall-Iprocessar and Koperativa Produtturi tat-Tadam ta’ Malta stated that 140 members were left distraught at the damage being done to the crops industry. A spokesperson stated how it is assumed 65% of the yield was saved, but with the harvest still ongoing, a drop to 55% could still be possible.
The spokesperson claimed that such a bad year hadn’t been experienced since 2009 following the ‘tuta absoluta’ pest decimated several plants. Despite the tomato’s ability to withstand high temperatures, spells of continuous heat rendered the plant’s coping less effective. Decline in blossoms and stunted growth were recorded following the two-week June heatwave, with many tomatoes not growing to full maturity or simply getting burnt.
#MaltaDaily
Photo Source: Tomato Growing
