Mexico’s agricultural crisis caused by drought
Mexico is struggling with an increasingly severe drought that has had a dramatic impact on the agricultural sector. Over the past three years, poor rainfall and dwindling water supplies have forced farmers to leave more than 500 hectares of farmland uncultivated, causing millions of dollars in losses. Roberto Garza, a prominent agricultural entrepreneur, emphasized the seriousness of the situation, noting that the drought has led to a significant drop in water levels in wells, aggravated by the irresponsible use of water by some producers. This misuse can result in exceeding the legal water withdrawal limits set by their permits.
Impact on crop production and irrigation
Even with the introduction of high-tech irrigation systems covering more than 65% of the cultivated area, farmers had to reduce their cultivated area by 20%. This decline has affected the entire potato growing region, including several municipalities in Coahuila and Ejido San Rafael in Nuevo Leon. High-tech irrigation systems that were supposed to mitigate the effects of drought have proven insufficient in the face of prolonged water shortages.
Fighting bureaucracy and subsidies
Garza expressed frustration with the lack of support from authorities, citing bureaucratic challenges in obtaining assistance. Farmers were recently notified of the risk of losing subsidies from the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) due to administrative problems between the Ministry of Agriculture and the CFE. The loss of these subsidies will result in significant increases in energy costs, further straining farmers‘ finances.
Efforts to combat drought
Despite receiving meteorological information from the National Confederation of Potato Producers of the Mexican Republic (Conpapa), farmers continue to face serious problems with no clear solution in sight. The ongoing drought not only threatens current crop yields, but also threatens the long-term viability of agriculture in the affected regions.
Current data and broader context
According to the latest Mexican government data, agricultural losses due to drought amounted to about US$1 billion in 2023, with potato farmers hit the hardest. The government is working on various drought mitigation strategies, including promoting water-saving crops and investing in improved water management infrastructure. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains to be assessed as the drought continues.
Drought in Mexico has caused significant economic and agricultural damage, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable water management practices and stronger support mechanisms for farmers. As climate change continues to worsen extreme weather events, the agricultural sector must adapt to ensure food security and economic stability. The situation requires immediate and coordinated action by both government agencies and agricultural stakeholders to develop long-term solutions to water scarcity and its impact on agriculture.
