The Meteorological Service published a summary of the last winter season, which shows that for the first time since measurements began, the largest average amount of rainfall fell in the northwestern Negev and not in the northern mountains. For comparison, while in the north of the country an average of 40%-70% of the annual amount fell, in various places in the northern Negev almost 150% of the average was measured.
The widespread and unusual rain that fell throughout the country in May did slightly improve the overall precipitation balance, but the situation of last winter remained bleak and unusual. In the north and center of the country, rainfall amounts were significantly less than average, and in the south they met or even exceeded the annual average.
Following this, and in light of the recommendations of the joint drought committee of the Ministry of Finance, the Tax Authority, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Finance Minister Yair Lapid approved the declaration of a drought year in the entire Negev, part of the north, and a few areas in the south of the country. The announcement will take effect upon publication in Reshumot, which is expected today.
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The decision was made after most of the agricultural areas in Israel that were affected by the low rainfall were inspected, the quantity and quality of the crops were measured, and the losses that will be incurred by farmers were assessed. The compensation will be provided in the areas specified above, to farmers who grow vulnerable plants as defined: wheat, barley, clover, peas, beans, chickpeas, safflower (canola) and oats.
The compensation to be given this year is estimated at about 10 million shekels, while in previous drought years it sometimes reached about 100 million shekels. The compensation is paid to farmers for the loss of production, not for the loss of potential income.
