Thirteen regions have been declared in a state of emergency in Peru, after reports of a strong El Niño require preventative measures.
The regions include Lima Metropolitana (42 districts and Lima Cercado) y las regiones de Tumbes, Piura, Lambayeque, La Libertad, Cajamarca, Amazonas, San Martín, Ancash, Ica, Arequipa, Cusco, Puno and Junín.
The Supreme Decree obligates regional and local authorities to take immediate action in case of natural disasters due to El Niño.
Consequently, the effects of the weather phenomenon, can be favorable to some crops and devastating to others. According to Gestion, the effects currently favor 12 crops, but cause damage to three others. While at the same time, they acknowledge that the phenomenon has a largely negative effect.
The increased temperatures have been favorable to hard yellow corn, beans and fruits like lime and bananas in Piura. In Lambayeque, the effects help the production of sugar cane and cotton. In the central coast it is positive for sweet potato, while in the north it is productive for wheat crops and pastures.
However, Senamhi warns that if the temperatures don’t drop in August, it could negatively affect mango production. In addition, warmer temperatures can bring more pests including rust which devastated coffee crops in previous years.
Source - http://www.freshplaza.com/
