Rains in the north: 3000 hectares of rice crops are flooded in Piura

constants rain in northern regions jeopardize the supply of some agricultural products such as rice, lemon and others. To date, departments such as piuraSeveral hectares of damaged crops were reported.

An increase in the flow of the rivers Chira in Piura or Cazaderos in Tumbes caused the collapse of some irrigation canals of cultivated fields and the flooding of several sites in the above regions.

According to Saul Nunez, representative of the Association of Rice Producers in Piura, so far about 3,000 hectares of various crops have been damaged in this region alone, mainly rice (2,000 hectares), the rest of bananas, blueberries and others. This may affect the yield forecast.

“This year we plan to harvest at least 65 thousand hectares, from each we harvest about 10 thousand kilograms, if rains continue this month, this production may be reduced by 20%,” the leader explained.

High prices in April?

For Apear Piura, Peru has 19 rice producing regions, led by San Martin and piura, in both cases it registered rains, as Lambayeque, the first supplier of cereals to Lima, so far 20% of its production has been transferred; although there is still no damage to it that could affect prices.

A product that has grown in regions like La Libertad is the lemon, brought from Piura, the main producing region. A 50-kilogram bag has risen in price from S/120 to S/180, even the lowest quality sells for S/4 more.

It is worth saying that, despite the fact that some regional markets reported high prices for lemon, Central Reserve Bank reported a 19% decline this month; therefore, possible speculation in supply centers is not ruled out.

In accordance with National Convention of Peruvian Agriculture (Conveagro), if the rains continue in the north, prices will start to rise from April and have a direct impact.

Meanwhile, Director of Statistics and Policy Evaluation at the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (Midagri) Cristian Garay indicated that they are monitoring prices; although they haven’t recorded the impact of rainfall on production at this point.

“If the intensity is higher, it will affect the yield of rice, cotton, hard yellow corn. If there is an impact, then yes (prices will rise), but the scale depends on the duration and intensity of the rains,” he said. .

How much does the north produce?

According to Midagri, northern Peru accounts for 30.8% of agricultural production, including food for agriculture and livestock; In addition, 14% of what is consumed in Lima comes from this part of the country.