The president of the Mayab Fruit Growers Union, Freddy Domínguez Aké, reported that recent light rains in the region, caused by a cold front, have temporarily alleviated the irrigation demands for citrus growers facing drought conditions.
Domínguez Aké noted that growers have been irrigating their citrus crops, such as sweet oranges, grapefruits, mandarins, sour oranges, and Persian limes, from dawn to nightfall due to the dry season and elevated spring temperatures. The rains offer a brief respite for the irrigation equipment and the producers, but the forecast indicates that the intense heat and drought conditions will persist.
Citrus plants require substantial water to maintain production levels for the fall-winter harvest. Until the onset of the rainy season, expected in May or June, daily irrigation remains necessary. Domínguez Aké mentioned, "New Persian lime harvests will occur after Easter to supply the state, and above all, to lower the price of citrus fruits for consumers."
Future cold fronts could potentially bring rain beneficial for local agricultural production. The growers remain hopeful for additional precipitation to support food production and mitigate the ongoing drought's impact.
Source: The Yucatan Times