In the Soconusco region of Chiapas, cocoa is known for being one of the best in the world. However, small producers are feeling frustrated as they are unable to take advantage of historic international prices for the fruit due to a severe drought that has affected their harvests. Despite reaching an unprecedented level of $10,000 per metric ton, farmers like Ismael Gómez have seen production fall by at least 50 percent and what little remains is being sold to intermediaries at low prices.
Farmers in the region are not only facing challenges with cocoa production but also with other crops such as coffee, mango, watermelon, banana and corn. With no rain since November and a fungus damaging their crops, it’s looking bleak for farmers going into the next year. They are asking for more government support to help them through this crisis. Despite these challenges, they remain determined to find ways to save their crops and feed their families in the months ahead.
The drought has had a significant impact on cocoa production in Soconusco. The lack of rainfall since November has made the situation even worse for farmers in the region. The most severe drought in decades has caused international prices for cocoa to reach an unprecedented level of $10,000 per metric ton. However, small producers are still struggling as they can’t take advantage of these high prices due to poor harvests caused by fungal diseases and extreme weather conditions.
The consequences of this drought go beyond just affecting cocoa production; it’s also impacting other crops such as coffee and corn. Farmers in Soconusco are bracing themselves for what lies ahead as they know that they must find ways to overcome these challenges and remain resilient in the face of adversity.
The situation faced by farmers in Soconusco is a difficult one as they struggle with low harvests due to droughts and fungal diseases affecting not only cocoa but also other crops such as coffee, mango, watermelon banana and corn.
Small-scale producers who rely on agriculture for their livelihoods have been hit hard by this prolonged dry spell that has devastated crops across many regions worldwide.
Farmers like Ismael Gómez from Soconusco have been severely affected by this drought that has reduced yields by at least 50 percent leaving them with nothing left but selling what little remains at low prices.
Despite these challenges, farmers remain determined to find ways to save their crops and feed their families during this tough year where many crops are at risk due to lack of rainfall.
