Monitoring is underway in 54 municipalities across Guatemala due to low temperatures, saturated soils, and rain forecasted for the upcoming weekend. The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food (MAGA) announced that the monitoring is based on agrometeorological analysis and weather predictions from the National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology (INSIVUMEH).
Crops most at risk from these weather changes include coffee, corn, beans, pasture, and vegetables. The departments particularly affected are Huehuetenango, Quiché, Totonicapán, San Marcos, Escuintla, and Santa Rosa.
MAGA issued several recommendations to producers. "Carry out irrigation during the coolest hours of the day, prioritizing crops in critical stages. Fertilize and remove wilted leaves to maintain plant vitality." The ministry also advised using airtight metal silos to store grains and prevent mold growth. Additionally, poultry should be vaccinated against diseases such as Newcastle disease, cholera, and avian pox.
The ministry warned that while rainfall has decreased in much of the country, a cold front may approach at the end of October. This could signal the start of the transition to the cold and dry season.
"With these preventive actions and MAGA's technical monitoring, we seek to protect national agricultural production and strengthen the sector's resilience to climate variations," the ministry stated.
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