Guanacaste Feeling The Effects of ‘El Niño’
(InfoWebPress) A “summery winter,” that’s
how the behavior of precipitations in this
rainy season in the province of Guanacaste
could be described, as a result of the
effects of the climatic phenomenon commonly
known as “El Niño.”
An atypical 50 percent reduction in
precipitation levels, compared to the
historical average usually falling in
Guanacaste, plus an increase of two degrees
Celsius in the province’s temperature, are
the most visible effects of the current
weather conditions. Both have led to a
drought impact the agricultural industry.
One of the most affected crops is rice. The
lack of rain has resulted in a negative
impact on rice plantations all throughout
Guanacaste — one of the main producers of
this staple crop in Costa Rica.
According to data from the National Rice
Corporation (Conarroz), the situation
generated by El Niño during the past two
months has led to damage in 398 hectares
planted with the water-intensive cereal.
Economic losses resulting from the drought
in Guanacaste are estimated at $800,000,
while the number of producers suffering from
this situation has reached 71.
If the weather conditions persist, it’s even
possible that rice producers will request an
emergency declaration from the Ministry of
Agriculture.
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