Alakina
Hailstorm damages crop in agricultural Duhok village
DUHOK — Recent heavy rainfall and a hailstorm in Duhuk Governorate have caused significant damage to the agricultural output of Alakina village. Known for producing a substantial portion of Duhuk’s fruit, the village has experienced catastrophic losses, particularly in grapes.
The village cultivates over 200,000 grapevines, with the storm leaving 31 farmers facing considerable losses. The storm also affected pomegranates, peaches, apricots, and greengages.
Ismail Ahmed, one of the affected farmers from Alakina, told 964media that more than 5.2 acres of his orchard were devastated. “I used to have a good yield every year that supported my family’s livelihood,” Ahmed said.
Hail can damage grapevines by affecting the bark, leaves, and fruit. It can be particularly harmful to young vines with thin bark, as falling hail can create wounds that expose the vine’s bark. A wound is defined as any break in the tree’s outer protective layer that reveals the xylem.
The Duhok Directorate of Agriculture has acknowledged the extent of the damage. Ahmad Jamil, the general director, confirmed that more than 104 acres across the village were affected, mostly grapevines that usually produce substantial yields annually.
Jamil added that a committee had been formed to assess the damages and had visited the farmers to evaluate the losses.
Alakina village, home to more than 20 families, relies heavily on agriculture as its primary source of income.
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