Growers in the Region of Murcia have shown concern about the lack of irrigation water. They warned that "90% of the volume allocated for irrigation has already been consumed," and that there are productions in the Region, such as that of table grapes, which "continue until the end of the year." With this panorama, the group emphasised that "the situation is dramatic, both because of the prices at origin, which stand below the production costs, and of the possible lack of water to irrigate the crops until the end of the year;" a situation that, incidentally, "reflects the agony and desolation that Murcia's agriculture is living through."
The Agrarian Association Coag, in its balance sheet of the first half of the year, has analysed the development and behaviour of each of the sectors. When it comes to the tomato sector, for example, the production has taken place under normal conditions, with some problems, caused by excess moisture, which in a certain way, have been observed for several years. Sale prices were below the usual level of previous years.
Between January and June, the sweet fruit sector in Murcia obtained a full production amounting to around 500,000 tonnes, since there have been no major climatic adversities, such as frost or hail, which took a toll in previous years.
As for the almond sector, this season's production in the Region is expected to be around 30% greater than last year, when the trees were suffering the impact of the frost and drought of previous years. This production, estimated to reach around six million kilos, can be considered almost normal, although according to Coag, it still doesn't come close to the optimum productive potential of the Region's plantations.
Growers warn of "an alarming drop" in producer prices, allegedly due to the "collapse of the markets," with North African productions leaving regional growers completely unprotected."
The group also started planning the winter campaign for the second semester in those areas where there may be some more security of water availability for irrigation, although with the provision of a "reduction in the acreage devoted to the crops."
In its report, the association also warns of the flight of agricultural companies with greater resources, to other areas of Spain that are offering more guarantees when it comes to the supply of water.
Source: Europa Press
