DOI: https://doi.org/10.36719/2707-1146/64/9-15
Assessment of Quality Loss Due to Hail Impact in
Citrus Plants
Zulfu Mammadov1 
, Nahid Azizli2* , Ulviyya Mammadova3
Abstract. In recent years, the frequency and intensity of natural disasters affecting the agricultural sector have increased considerably as a consequence of climate change. Citrus orchards located in the southern regions of Azerbaijan are particularly vulnerable to these changes. Hail events cause substantial damage to both the productivity and quality parameters of citrus fruits. This article examines the quality losses occuring in citrus fruits during hailstorms and evaluates the the socio-economic implications of these losses for local farming households. Natural phenomena such as hailstorms negatively influence agriculture by reducing both product quantity and quality. Mechanical injuries inflicted on fruits diminish their marketability, shorten shelf life and result in lower sales prices. Consequently, the accurate estimation of quality loss is a prerequisite for the correct monetary valuation of damage. Based on field observations and farm level from the Lankaran and Astara regions, the proportions of hail damage, crop loss, and market price changes were analyzed. Furthermore, the effectiveness of existing insurance mechanisms and the extent of implementation of technical anti-hail protection measures were assessed, and the principal challenges faced by farmers were identified.
Keywords: citrus orchards, hail damage, quality loss, socio-economic impact, agriculture, climate risk