This week, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food (MAGA) in Guatemala has issued recommendations to protect crops and livestock due to expected variable weather conditions. According to the Strategic Agricultural Information Center of the Directorate of Geographic, Strategic Information and Risk Management (DIGEGR), intermittent rain, strong winds, and low temperatures are forecasted for several regions.
The National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology (INSIVUMEH) predicts that rain will continue on Monday and Tuesday in the Northern Transversal Strip and the Guatemalan Caribbean. The departments affected include Izabal, Alta Verapaz, Quiché, and Huehuetenango. These areas produce staple grains, coffee, cardamom, banana, pineapple, vegetables, and pastures.
In highland regions such as Huehuetenango, Totonicapán, and San Marcos, temperatures have dropped below five degrees Celsius. This could mainly impact coffee crops and grazing areas.
Accelerated winds above 50 kilometers per hour are also expected in Santa Rosa, Jutiapa, Escuintla, and Sololá. In total, MAGA is monitoring 14 departments and 71 municipalities for potential climate impacts.
The Vice Ministry of Rural Economic Development (VIDER) advised farmers to keep drainage channels clear to prevent flooding; open infiltration ditches in root crop fields; inspect coffee and cocoa leaves weekly for early signs of damage; and protect crops with plastic or mesh during cold nights.
The Vice Ministry of Agricultural Health and Regulations (VISAR) urged livestock producers to provide ventilated shelters with waterproof roofs and dry floors; avoid grazing on saturated soils to prevent hoof diseases; and ensure proper drainage around stables.
"The MAGA maintains its commitment through permanent monitoring with prevention measures and technical assistance for national producers," a statement read. "We promote actions that safeguard agricultural production and contribute to food security in the country."
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