A count of the damage caused by the persistent bad weather is underway across the island . A statement from Coldiretti Sardegna, referring specifically to southern Sardinia, speaks of "orange groves devastated by the wind in the Sarrabus area and citrus groves submerged by water in the Villacidrese area . There is also the massacre of artichokes in the fields of Medio Campidano , with the Samassi area flooded, and vegetables rotting in open fields before even reaching market throughout the greater Cagliari area. The loss of production today means less food tomorrow, with serious consequences for businesses and the entire agri-food system." This is why Coldiretti is asking: "The Region urgently begins monitoring the damaged crops. There is no time to waste."

Artichokes – In the Medio Campidano region, the artichoke, a Sardinian staple, is paying the highest price. It is currently suffering greatly due to flooded fields, poor drainage, and, in some areas, dam overflows, which have poured water into agricultural land. The situation is also critical for open-field horticulture: plantings are stalled, production is compromised, and vegetables are rotting in the fields at a crucial time of the season. This widespread crisis is simultaneously affecting production, structures, and farm profitability. In the Villacidro area, citrus groves have been submerged by water, and the fruit has fallen to the ground.

Sarrabus Emergency – The most violent blow of the last few hours came from the winds that lashed the Sarrabus , severely impacting the countryside of Villaputzu, San Vito, Muravera, and Castiadas . Here, the citrus fruit sector, a historic area of excellence, was brought to its knees: persistent rains that had already weakened the fruit were compounded by the fury of the gusts, which caused massive fruit falls, with tons of citrus fruit falling to the ground and now unsellable. Windbreaks, uprooted by the force of the wind, fell on trees, destroying entire rows. Infrastructure was also severely damaged: roads were damaged, businesses were isolated, and prolonged blackouts were caused by fallen electricity poles, with immediate repercussions on daily work and the productivity of agricultural businesses.

Solidarity – "We stand with and support all the affected businesses and families," Giorgio Demurtas and Giuseppe Casu, president and director of Coldiretti Cagliari, immediately stated. "We assure you of the utmost attention from all the association's structures, committed to providing support and assistance in synergy with local and regional institutions, to assist businesses in obtaining the maximum possible assistance." Coldiretti Cagliari has asked the mayors of the affected areas to activate the procedures for declaring a state of natural disaster. "Assessing the damage is the first essential step to guarantee immediate support to agricultural businesses, whose survival is now seriously at risk. A structural response and effective planning are needed to protect agricultural businesses and safeguard production, which represents a fundamental economic, social, and identity-building asset for Southern Sardinia."

(Unioneonline)

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