Scientific approach to atmospheric conditions safeguards Yan'an's orchards

"For apple farmers, hail is a nightmare," said Liu Yue, an orchard owner in Wuqi. "A flawless apple sells for up to 6 yuan per kilogram, but one hit by hail won't fetch a single yuan."

To combat the risk, Wuqi launched a pilot hail suppression program in 2023. The project introduced advanced cloud-seeding equipment, automated rocket systems, and an artificial intelligence-enabled early warning command platform. The upgraded system allows for rapid detection, intelligent forecasting, and automated cloud seeding at precise locations and altitudes.

"The key to successful hail suppression is to act early — when the hail is still just ice crystals," said Yang Guang, a technician with the Wuqi Meteorological Bureau. "This year, we've conducted more than 30 suppression operations, and the results have been very promising."

In tandem, the Yan'an Meteorological Bureau has upgraded automated ground hail prevention equipment, enabling safer and more efficient storm mitigation efforts.

However, even with cutting-edge equipment, some damage is unavoidable when extreme weather strikes.

In May, Zhang Jun, a first-time apple grower in Wuqi, saw his 3-hectare orchard suffer a devastating frost. "We were expecting about 50 metric tons of apples," he said. "Now we might just get 10."

Luckily, Zhang had enrolled in a pilot weather index insurance program, targeting frost in the blossom season, introduced this year in Wuqi and neighboring Luochuan county. The policy, triggered by specific temperature readings, allowed him to receive a quick payout.

"That night, the orchard's temperature sensor recorded — 1.8 C," said Zhang Haihang, a representative from the People's Insurance Company of China in Wuqi. "We sent a loss adjuster the next morning. The system calculated a compensation of 6,075 yuan per hectare."

Unlike traditional crop insurance, which often requires a lengthy damage assessment after harvest, the index insurance model speeds up compensation based on verified meteorological data.

"This model brings insurance closer to farmers," said Sun Zhihui, chief technician at the Yan'an apple meteorological science and technology backyard. Sun and his team developed the weather index system specifically for apple farmers in the region.

"Previously, growers had to wait until harvest season for any compensation, and the process was slow and uncertain," Sun said. "Now, with automatic payouts triggered by precise weather events, more insurers are willing to participate, and more farmers are covered," he added.

As climate variability intensifies, the city's apple industry, which employs over one million people, is banking on meteorological innovation and public-private cooperation to protect its future.

Wang Weigang, head of the Yan'an Meteorological Bureau, said the city will continue to strengthen monitoring, improve forecasting accuracy, and expand intelligent services tailored to apple growers.