Peru's National Meteorology and Hydrology Service (Senamhi) has warned that the coastal El Niño phenomenon and the higher-than-normal temperatures that are expected because of it could affect the main crops of Peru, including avocado.
More specifically, on the north coast, where El Niño causes heavy rainfall, the high air temperature could interfere with the fruit's ripening phase. On the central region and the southern coast, the phenomenon could affect the fruit's quality for export. The central and southern mountains could also be affected, as El Niño could generate the conditions for the emergence of pests that would affect the phenological stage of maturation of the avocados.
Juan Carlos Paredes, the president of Prohass, indicated that, so far, this sector's medium and large exporters have already adopted measures to prevent the impacts of El Niño, such as the installation of drains or agricultural management systems, among others. However, small avocado producers in the northern departments could suffer impacts derived from the phenomenon due to the heavy rains expected, while producers in the southern regions that have not implemented reservoirs or water dam systems, as well as irrigation systems, could be affected by drought.
Paredes acknowledged that, even though avocado plantations have a better adaptation to climate change, any blocking of roads or damage to infrastructure, as a result of rainfall, would have a significant impact on this agricultural activity.
Source: gestion.pe