Wind damages earlier this month have caused significant crop losses for banana farmers in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), website Todafruta.com.br reported.

A survey conducted by theo Municipalities of Emater/RS-Ascar found the weather event affected plantations in five banana-producing areas, the story reported.

The study found 500 properties in Três Cachoeiras and 60 properties in Três Forquilhas lost 70% of their crop, while in Terra de Areia there were 110 prperties that had lost 50% of their bananas.

The story reported there were 650 properties in Mampituba that had lost 25% of their crop, while 950 farms in Morrinhos do Sul lost 24% for the next harvest.

Experts predict a recovery would take more than two years in the municipalities affected. The result was revealed after floods severely affected banana growers in the São Paulo region of Vale do Ribeira.