Core Insights - The introduction of hail nets in the Aksu region has significantly improved the economic stability of apple farmers, particularly in the Red Flag Slope area, which is known for its "Ice Sugar Heart" apples [1][2][3] Group 1: Hail Net Project Implementation - The hail net project in Aksu is funded 60% by insurance companies and 40% by farmers, leading to a reduction in individual farmer costs and encouraging participation [3][6] - The project aims to cover approximately 500 acres annually over a five-year period, with a total budget of 16.6 million yuan [3][6] - Farmers have reported substantial income recovery due to the installation of hail nets, with one farmer stating that the nets saved over 10,000 yuan per acre during a severe hailstorm [2][5] Group 2: Economic Impact and Benefits - The hail nets have demonstrated their effectiveness during a significant hailstorm in July 2024, where covered orchards experienced minimal damage compared to uncovered ones [2][6] - The estimated economic loss from the 2024 hailstorm was over 200 million yuan, but the nets helped recover at least 10 million yuan in losses [6][8] - The project has led to a rapid increase in hail net coverage, surpassing 30,000 acres since its inception [5][6] Group 3: Agricultural Risk Management - The Aksu region faces frequent hailstorms, with an average of 28.5 occurrences per year, leading to significant economic losses [7][8] - The collaboration between insurance and meteorological services has been crucial in reducing direct economic losses, with an estimated 390 million yuan saved over three years [8] - The integration of "meteorology + insurance" strategies has enhanced the region's ability to manage agricultural risks effectively [7][8]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the successful implementation of hail prevention nets in the Aksu region of Xinjiang, which has significantly mitigated the economic losses from hail disasters for apple farmers, particularly benefiting the "Ice Sugar Heart" Aksu apples, a renowned geographical indication product in China [1][2][9]. Group 1: Hail Prevention Measures - The main production area for "Ice Sugar Heart" apples is the Hongqi Slope region, which has faced challenges from hail disasters due to its location in an air traffic control zone, making traditional hail prevention methods ineffective [2][4]. - A pilot project for hail prevention nets was initiated in 2023, funded 60% by insurance companies and 40% by farmers, leading to tangible benefits in reducing losses from hail damage [2][7]. - The installation of hail nets has proven effective, with farmers reporting significant income recovery, such as one farmer recovering over 10,000 yuan per acre after the installation of nets [3][9]. Group 2: Economic Impact and Adoption - The cost of building a hail prevention net is approximately 7,000 yuan per acre, which previously deterred farmers due to high upfront costs; however, the pilot project has reduced the financial burden, encouraging more farmers to adopt this technology [7][8]. - The area under hail net coverage has rapidly increased, surpassing 30,000 acres, demonstrating a shift in farmers' attitudes towards disaster prevention [8][9]. Group 3: Insurance and Risk Management - The insurance company has invested around 10 million yuan over five years in the hail prevention project, which has effectively addressed the issue of insufficient individual farmer investment and facilitated the rapid deployment of hail nets [9][10]. - The hail prevention nets have significantly reduced economic losses during severe hail events, with estimates suggesting that they saved at least 10 million yuan in damages during a major hailstorm in July 2024 [9][10]. Group 4: Climate and Disaster Statistics - The Aksu region experiences an average of 28.5 hail events per year, with economic losses exceeding 300 million yuan annually due to hail damage, highlighting the critical need for effective disaster management strategies [10][11]. - The collaboration between insurance and meteorological services has led to a reduction of direct economic losses by approximately 390 million yuan over the past three years, showcasing the effectiveness of the "insurance + meteorology" approach in agricultural disaster risk management [11].