Many Spanish producers are wondering if it makes sense to plant vegetables this season because of the drought and uncertainty regarding the availability of water; a decision that could limit the supply of products this season. One of the areas most affected by the lack of water is the Guadalquivir basin, where the planting of many crops has been considerably reduced, including the planting of tomatoes.
The cultivation of this vegetable has been reduced to a minimum, stated Alvaro Areta, head of Fruits and Vegetables of the Coag agricultural association. The decrease is so big that the processing companies in the region will be virtually out of work, some will even close completely, he stated.
The cultivation of carrots, industrial peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, garlic, and onions in the province of Cordoba is also affected by the lack of water. These are all crops whose acreage had already shrunk, and now due to the lack of water, the area their area has decreased by 20% to 30%.
The situation is also critical in other areas. The reservoirs in Catalonia are at 25.9% of their capacity, i.e. half of what they were in 2022, and the water restrictions in the Community of Madrid due to drought have directly affected the production of melon from Villaconejos. AGIM-COAG has already announced that most of the melon producers in Madrid won't plant melons if they aren't guaranteed a minimum of water to bring the crops to fruition. The Hydrographic Confederation of the Tagus has been informed of the delicate situation of vegetable growers, as there will be nearly 500 hectares less fruit and vegetables planted in the area if it does not rain in the coming weeks.
Source: efeagro.com
