Artificial rains will be called in Stavropol to save from drought

Artificial precipitation will be applied in Stavropol Krai in spring. This is necessary to save crops from drought.

According to the StavropolMedia news agency, artificial rainfall will be induced in March and April. For this purpose an airplane-laboratory of Roshydromet will be used. The exact timing of the plane's involvement will be determined depending on the weather situation.

According to Governor Vladimir Vladimirov, the decision on artificial precipitation was made after analyzing last year's situation. Due to the spring drought, agrarians lost part of the harvest. Preparations for the season of field work are already underway, farmers are stocking fertilizers and fuels and lubricants for machinery.

Specialists note that a warm winter with a shortage of snow may affect the quality of the harvest. In southern Russia, winter crops were planted in dry soil. The Ministry of Agriculture estimates that more than half of the crops are in good condition. Industry unions believe that more than 30% of winter crops are in a depressed state. The plants may not survive the return of frost.