Year after year, hail and adverse weather increasingly damage fruit and vegetable crops in Serbia, often devastating entire hectares and causing significant income loss. Many producers lack hail protection systems or crop insurance, and those measures are often costly or insufficient.
Vlado Šomoši, director of the “Bačka jagoda” cooperative, says local anti-hail stations are the main defense, as anti-hail nets are impractical for annual crops like strawberries. Crop insurance uptake is declining, partly due to producers trying to cut costs, though those insured report satisfaction with quick compensation and state subsidies covering 40-80% of costs.
Prof. Ana Vuković Vimić (University of Belgrade) stresses that anti-hail nets provide over 90% protection, the most effective method for agriculture. However, due to large land areas, insurance remains crucial to mitigate economic losses. She notes hailstorms will increase in frequency and intensity with climate change and calls for stronger state support and subsidies.
Serbia also uses anti-hail rockets to seed clouds with silver iodide, encouraging smaller hailstones that melt before reaching the ground. Yet, this method faces challenges due to complex cloud dynamics and high costs (millions of euros annually), sparking debate about resource allocation.
Prof. Zoran Keserović (University of Novi Sad) confirms anti-hail nets are safest, but only cover 7-8% of fruit plantations. He questions the effectiveness of anti-hail missiles and suggests reevaluating funding priorities. Crop insurance uptake remains low despite subsidies.
The rising popularity of anti-hail sound cannons is noted, but experts warn their effectiveness lacks scientific proof. Meteorological agencies advise against relying on them. Sound cannons claim to break hailstones or delay their fall, but physical and biological doubts exist about their operation and safety.
Keserović highlights a newer SPAG anti-hail cannon system, used in about 40 countries, including recent installations in Serbia, which uses high-pressure waves to keep hail aloft for melting. Early results show promise, especially for protecting intensive crops like raspberries, and pilot tests are recommended.
Cost estimates show anti-hail nets run around €4,000 per hectare (excluding installation, total €13,000–17,000), while the SPAG cannon system costs about €57,000 but lasts 35–40 years, making it a potential long-term investment.
