The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food (MAGA) has issued a warning about possible frost in seven departments this week. According to an agrometeorological analysis, temperatures are expected to drop below five degrees Celsius in 91 municipalities, which could affect agricultural and livestock production.
The National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology (INSIVUMEH), which oversees climate matters in the country, stated that cold air typical of the season will enter highland areas. The affected departments include Chimaltenango, Huehuetenango, Quetzaltenango, Quiché, San Marcos, Totonicapán and Sololá. These regions have crops such as staple grains, coffee, vegetables and pastures that are vulnerable to sudden temperature drops.
Technical staff from MAGA indicated that signs like low ambient humidity, weak winds, little soil moisture and nighttime temperature drops can signal the arrival of frost.
Experts from the Vice Ministry of Rural Economic Development (VIDER) recommend several measures for farmers: "apply light night irrigation when possible; avoid nitrogen fertilization during cold spells; use micronutrients such as boron and zinc; irrigate between 5:00 and 8:00 hours; and apply sun protectors on crops like coffee, avocado, citrus fruits and vegetables."
For livestock producers, specialists from the Vice Ministry of Agricultural Health and Regulation (VISAR) advise: "provide facilities protected from the cold; ensure adequate ventilation; properly manage curtains for poultry and pigs; use heat lamps if necessary; and guarantee warm spaces for newborn animals."
MAGA’s Strategic Information Center reiterated its commitment to monitoring weather conditions and issuing timely recommendations to protect agricultural production. "MAGA reaffirms its commitment with climate monitoring and providing timely recommendations to safeguard the country's agricultural production," according to their statement.
Alerts Sign-up