Because of the ongoing drought
Argentina soybean crop under threat
Argentina has to fear half of its soybean harvest due to persistent drought: 10.7 million tons instead of 19.7 million tons of soybeans are expected, said the Argentine grain exchange Rosario on Monday.
The drought is affecting the soybean harvest in Argentina. (theme image)
Nationwide, 48 million tons were initially forecast for the coming soybean harvest, now only 35.5 million to 41 million tons are expected. “Even if it was clear that it would be a difficult season because of the drought, this exceeded the worst fears of the producers,” said the grain exchange.
The crop failure means a severe blow to exports and the domestic food supply. Argentina is the world’s largest producer of soybean oil and soy flour.
According to a new report by the Sissa Institute, more than 54 percent of Argentina’s soil is currently suffering from drought or so-called water stress – 14 percent from “severe” drought and 9 percent from “extreme or extraordinary” drought.
In connection with the ongoing climatic phenomenon “La Niña” and a decrease in rainfall, the drought has “severe effects in different regions, with falling river levels and crop losses” for three consecutive years,” explained Sissa.
The regions of Cordoba and Buenos Aires in the center of the country and the more northerly province of Santa Fe have been worst hit. In recent weeks they have reported serious consequences for grain crops, unsuccessful sowing or dying animals.
“At least 3,000 head of cattle” died in the province of Santa Fe as a result of the drought, said Production Minister Daniel Costamagna, without naming the period in more detail.
(SDA)