Volume of rains decrease between 30% and 50% in the Caribbean and the north zone

February 26th, 2014

A rainfall deficit of between 30% and 50% of the historic average by region, since last December affected the Caribbean coast and the northern part of the country.

The situation turned on the alarms and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG), although not yet crop losses or animals are reported.

Erick Quirós, director of regional operations of MAG, said one of the concerns is that large areas of pasture for cattle have little drought resistant varieties.

This practice is common in the Caribbean and the north, because in those sectors rains almost all year.

Deficit. Luis Fernando Alvarado, specialist (IMN) National Meteorological Institute, confirmed the decline in rainfall, especially in the Caribbean. He said he fell by 50% in some places.

Added that a situation quite similar climate has presented in the Caribbean during the past two or three years.

Some transnational banana companies and other independent producers intensified irrigated trials. This is done in small areas of about 20 hectares, preventing the decline in rainfall resulting permanent, Edgar said Quiros, president of the National Association of Independent Banana Producers. If so, the risk would extend to the entire estate.

The administrator Cantonal Agricultural Center (CAC) of Los Chiles, Kenneth Serrano said yellowed grass and dry ravines in the area and observed but not yet reported losses.

Quirós said that in the Caribbean are positive to reduced rainfall and high temperature: soursop, papaya and Chinese pipa gain more sweetness in this weather collaborated. Carlos Hernandez.

Souce: La Nación