Severe drought in Panama hits agriculture, animal husbandry

2024-04-28 13:13:25Classificação：sites de apostaTempos assistidos(2)

Severe drought in Panama hits agriculture, animal husbandryClimate 12:28, 27-Dec-2023

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The El Nino-induced severe drought in Panama has seriously impacted local agriculture and animal husbandry as the country heads toward an exceptionally longer dry season next year with few rainfalls.

The central American country has a hot and humid, tropical climate, with a long rainy season lasting about half a year and a short dry season running from January to March. The country depends on the rainy season to bring substantial rainfall across its territory, while the dry season is marked by scarce precipitation.

According to the country's official meteorological data, the impacts of climate change have accelerated the arrival of the El Nino-induced extreme weather events. It is estimated that next year, the country's rainy season will be shorter, while the dry season will last for at least half a year, which poses a daunting challenge to the agriculture-dominant country.

"It is the first time that I have ever encountered such a drought. All the pastures have dried up. There is not enough water for the cattle. Now, we have fewer cattle on our farm than before. Previously, we kept over 40 cattle, but later, we had to cut that number by half," said a farmer in the western Capira District.

In response, the Ministry of Agriculture and Husbandry Development has deployed a huge amount of resources into the country's agricultural production to minimize the possible impacts from the upcoming exceptionally long dry season.

(Cover image via CFP)