Mexican maize producers face million‑peso losses if drought persists, Chile fruit growers report limited rain damage

In the Hopelchén region of Campeche, Mexico, maize producers warned that a lack of rain for a week to 15 days could destroy about 500 hectares of recently planted corn, representing an investment of roughly 7.5 million pesos. The average planting cost is 15,000 pesos per hectare, and the community of 120 farmers had planned to sow 800 hectares, with 500 already planted. Without rain, the farmers risk having to replant, increasing debt and incurring further expenses.

In central Chile, heavy rains that fell across the country caused little damage to the fruit sector. Exporters said that the main harvests of apples, pears, kiwis and cherries had already been harvested before the rains arrived, preventing significant losses. Damage was limited to the northern outskirts of Santiago, where landslides and mudflows affected some settlements and orchards. Avocado and citrus crops, still in the field, may see minor delays, while snow accumulation in the Andes is expected to secure water for future irrigation.