In recent days, snowy and frosty weather conditions have been observed in several mountainous and foothill regions of Azerbaijan. While these weather conditions are considered characteristic for the season in some regions, they may be accompanied by certain impacts, particularly in the low-lying agricultural areas of mountainous and foothill regions.
Agricultural expert Vahid Maharramov, clarifying the issue in a statement to Modern.az, stated that the impact of snowfall on crop farming is generally positive.
“Because currently, snowfall is mostly observed in mountainous regions, and in these areas, plants are not in their development stage but rather in a “dormant phase”.
For this reason, there is no likelihood of the current snowfall causing serious damage to plant cultivation. At the same time, the level of frost is not high. The temperature is approximately around minus 6, 7 degrees, and frosts up to minus 10 degrees are generally not considered dangerous for trees and plants”.
Vahid Maharramov also pointed out that, on the contrary, snow has several positive effects:
“Snow cover increases moisture reserves in the soil, helping to maintain water balance in spring months. It also positively affects future productivity by causing the destruction of pests and some disease-causing agents.
However, snowfall can create certain difficulties in the livestock sector. Problems may arise, especially in areas where animals are taken to open pastures, primarily for small ruminants”.
The expert also emphasized that if farmers have not accumulated sufficient feed reserves in advance, this could lead to a temporary feed shortage and difficulties in farming activities:
At the same time, road closures and restricted movement due to weather conditions can also create certain obstacles for farmers' daily activities.
However, I reiterate that the current snowfall does not pose a serious threat to crop farming and primarily has a beneficial effect under the existing temperature conditions. Only in the livestock sector are preventive measures considered important,” V. Maharramov stated.
