The agricultural community in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, is reeling from a severe drought that has led to a staggering 90% decline in citrus production. Nué Morón, President of the Association of Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Santa Cruz (Asofruth), has confirmed that the ongoing water scarcity has drastically impacted the region’s citrus orchards.
Impact of the Drought
- Severe Water Shortage: The end of 2023 and the beginning of 2024 witnessed an unprecedented drought, leaving farmers without water to irrigate their crops. The drought’s impact was so severe that it disrupted the normal flowering period of citrus trees, leading to poor fruit development.
- Quality and Size Reduction: The citrus fruits that did manage to grow were of noticeably lower quality and smaller size. This reduction in quality is particularly evident in orange and mandarin production.
- Delayed Harvest: Typically, the citrus harvest in Santa Cruz occurs in March or April. However, this year, the harvest has been delayed until July, exacerbating the economic strain on farmers.
Regional Impact and Economic Consequences
- Porongo Hardest Hit: The municipality of Porongo has been the most affected area, with rivers and streams completely drying up. This has left local farmers struggling to sustain their crops and meet their usual production volumes.
- Economic Strain: The scarcity of citrus fruits has driven up prices significantly. Mandarins, which previously sold for Bs 60 per 100 units, now cost the same for just a single grapefruit or orange. This price surge highlights the severe supply shortage, with only 10% of the usual production available.
Ongoing Assessment
While the full extent of the economic losses is still being assessed, initial reports indicate substantial damage to both the volume of citrus produced and the financial resources of farmers. The prolonged drought and its aftermath have created a dire situation for the agricultural sector in Santa Cruz.
The citrus crisis in Santa Cruz underscores the critical importance of water management and sustainable agricultural practices in the face of climate change. Immediate support and long-term strategies are essential to help farmers recover from this year’s devastating losses and to build resilience against future climatic challenges.
