Extreme weather causes agricultural damage in Paraguay and Mexico

Severe weather events are causing significant agricultural damage and economic instability in Paraguay and Mexico.

In Paraguay, the El Niño phenomenon has triggered unexpected tornadoes and hailstorms, particularly affecting the Caaguazú Department. Over 170 hectares of horticultural crops, including tomatoes and lettuce, have been damaged, impacting 675 families. The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) has launched a contingency plan to repair infrastructure and assist producers in Itapúa, San Pedro, and Cordillera. Minister Carlos Giménez noted that the intensity of the storms exceeded technological forecasts.

In Mexico, Hurricane Polo has devastated more than 1,500 hectares of crops, such as melon and watermelon, in the Guaymas and Empalme valleys of Sonora. This disaster exacerbates an existing labor crisis in the region. Agricultural worker leader Agustín Urías Arenas stated that the hurricane could leave hundreds or even thousands of day laborers without work. The loss of crops is expected to reduce economic circulation in local commerce, particularly in Empalme, which relies heavily on the agricultural season.