Buenos Aires grain production faces potential 900,000-ton loss

A technical report warns that regional excess water could reduce grain production by between 873,000 and 903,000 tons in the southeastern Buenos Aires districts of Necochea, Lobería, and San Cayetano. This hypothetical scenario, modeled on the May cyclogenesis event, estimates potential agricultural margin losses between US$ 137 million and US$ 153 million.

The simulation assumes difficulties accessing 70% of the productive surface and a 20% drop in yields for corn, soy, and sunflower crops. The report notes that even if crops are produced, they may not be harvested if fields become inaccessible. The impact on transport is also significant, with potential losses equivalent to 29,100 to 30,100 truck trips.

To mitigate these risks, the document proposes requesting provincial funds to expand the Canal Los Ángeles 1, coordinating the maintenance of rural roads, and advancing a public-budget watershed plan. The agricultural activity in these districts supports approximately 7,100 direct and indirect jobs.