Building Ground-Based Generators to Protect Crops from Hailstorms
The Ministry of Agriculture, Air Traffic Control (ATC), and the Air Force, along with French experts, are discussing the construction of ground-based generator stations to protect against hailstorms near Pleven and Cherven Bryag. Deputy Minister of Agriculture Ivan Kapitanov reported this during the Agriculture Commission meeting. He explained that in these areas it is very difficult to install rocket launchers, so the agricultural department has decided to follow France’s lead.
Ground Generators: A New Approach to Hail Protection
Ground generators are becoming increasingly popular in countries like Spain and France as a way to protect crops from hailstorms. These generators work by releasing a strong stream of silver iodide into the atmosphere, saturating it with ice-forming nuclei before the clouds reach the area.
The Science Behind It
By deploying these generators, farmers are able to create a barrier against hail, reducing the damage to their crops. The generators work by seeding the clouds with ice nuclei, which can help prevent hail formation or reduce the size of hailstones. While this technology is still relatively new, it has shown promising results in protecting crops and reducing losses due to hailstorms.
Cloud Seeding for Weather Modification
Cloud seeding is a method used to modify weather conditions by introducing certain substances into clouds. This process can involve either airplanes or rockets, with the aim of inducing precipitation or reducing hail formation.
How Cloud Seeding Works
Planes release silver iodide into the clouds, either at the top or the base of the cloud. Rockets, on the other hand, deliver silver iodide directly into the clouds at specific locations where hail nuclei formation begins, as well as in feeder clouds. Experts consider the rocket method to be the most effective, although it may not be suitable for all areas, especially for protecting populated areas.
Implementation in Bulgaria
Up to this point, Bulgaria has not used this type of weather modification, but it could be beneficial in areas where neither the rocket nor airplane methods are feasible for protection against severe weather conditions.
Ice Grain Project
In the region of Pleven, the Ice Grain Project is set to begin. Ivan Kapitanov stated that the construction of these facilities will require a budget similar to the one needed for the planned 25 new missile sites across the country. These sites are crucial for agriculture and have not been built since the time of Desislava Taneva. In addition to the existing plan, a new site in Sadovo has been included. Kapitanov mentioned that areas in Vidin, Pleven, Pazardzhik, Plovdiv, Stara Zagora, and Sliven will each have 8 new sites, while Haskovo will have 4. “We have the capability to build them, let’s not delay.”
Public Procurement and Construction Projects
Deputy Minister announced that the focus for the upcoming year will be on public procurement and construction projects. He emphasized the need for a budget allocation for staff and funding for rockets for the next hail season.