Brazil drought and irrigation potential

Brazil is facing significant drought conditions that are impacting its territory. Data from the National Water and Sanitation Agency (ANA) indicates that between June and July 2026, drought-affected areas expanded from 45% to 52% of the country, with notable increases in the North, Northeast, Central-West, and Southeast regions.

While some states like Roraima and Maranhão reported increases in affected land, they remained classified under ‘weak drought’. Conversely, other areas experienced more intense conditions, such as Pernambuco, where moderate drought reached 77% of its territory, and Acre, Espírito Santo, and Minas Gerais, which reported drought affecting 100% of their land.

To mitigate losses caused by such droughts and increase production predictability, estimates suggest Brazil has the potential to expand its irrigation capabilities by over 55 million hectares. Currently, approximately 10 million hectares are equipped for irrigation, but significant expansion requires high investments in reservoirs, electrical grids, water storage, and distribution infrastructure.

As of August 2026, energy authorities are implementing contingency measures to ensure electricity supply amidst a predicted ‘super El Niño’ phenomenon. Sandoval Feitosa, Director-General of Aneel, stated that while there is no immediate risk to the upcoming electoral process, preventive actions are being taken, such as advancing fuel resources for isolated generators in the North to counter potential navigation difficulties caused by changing river levels. The National Electric System Operator (ONS) is also preparing special operations to maintain grid security, with Director-General Marcio Rea noting a higher possibility of activating emergency plans for energy surplus management in the second half of the year. Climatic challenges persist, with Roraima seeing affected territory rise from 7% to 50% in a single month.