TLU SA Reports Widespread Damage to Crops and Infrastructure
A severe black frost event on Sunday morning has wreaked havoc across agricultural sectors in South Africa’s Limpopo province, according to reports from TLU SA. The frost has inflicted significant damage on key crops such as potatoes, tomatoes, and various other vegetables. Additionally, farmers have reported damage to critical infrastructure, including water pipes, compounding the agricultural losses.
Henk van de Graaf, TLU SA’s North Chairman, emphasized the substantial impact on local farmers, highlighting the potential for food shortages stemming from the province. The affected areas, including the Soutpansberg mountain region, Levubu, Marble Hall, Arabie, and Bela-Bela, experienced severe black frost conditions. TLU SA is actively collating comprehensive data on the extent of the damage, including the affected hectares and financial losses, which will be crucial for future government intervention and support measures.
The black frost event comes amid South Africa’s peak winter season, characterized by a widespread cold snap that has even brought snow to southern and western regions of the country. The adverse weather conditions have resulted in freezing temperatures nationwide and severe maritime conditions along the coastline, as warned by the national weather service.
