Ninell Dedios, a specialist form the Regional SENAMHI, said that the possible year-end rains in Piura could jeopardize 153,500 hectares of various crops including, coast mango, grape, lemon, organic bananas, rice.
Meanwhile, the regional director of Agro Rural from the Ministry of Agriculture, Eduardo Pineda, said that there were more than 180,000 hectares installed in Piura, but that the ones that were at a greater risk were in the coastal area because the production in the mountains was used to the rains.
Pineda estimated that 54,000 hectares (30%) would be at risk. "The crops from the mountains aren't as exposed to the rains, the problem is in the coastal area that's in the lower part of the region," he said.
The specialist said that some crops had already begun to be affected by high temperatures. For example, he said, the mango had a low bloom; the leaves of the potato plants are withering, and also wheat and peas have been affected. If there are heavy rains, he said, the problem could increase as blocked roads could affect exports. The risk of pests, such as fruit fly, increases; and coffee may be affected by rust. "We have 58 varieties of crops installed throughout the region. If the rains begin in January, we would have serious problems; for example, with the mango, not only with its performance but also with its quality. Having rains like in the past Niño phenomena would be disastrous for the crops," he said.
The official said that the rains could affect 40,000 hectares of rice installed due to the fact their harvest should take place between December and January. The existing 7,500 hectares of organic bananas could also be damaged by moisture.
"There is mango"
The president of the Peruvian Association of Mango Producers and Exporters, Joaquin Balarezo, said they hadn't had a problem with the flowering of mango, and that they were getting ready to export 100,000 tons of fruit, just as they did last year. He also stated that the rains could damage the fruit.
Source: eltiempo.pe