Severe drought conditions in Spain are causing devastating losses for avocado and mango farms, with production plummeting by 80%. Many farmers are witnessing the unprecedented effects of the drought, leading to significantly reduced mango production from 300,000 to 70,000 kilos. Avocado crops are also suffering, with the fruits scarce, undersized, and hanging from trees with nearly withered leaves. The water scarcity issue has become a focal point of discussions, causing pessimism and despair in the community.

The affected region, Axarquía, is vital for agriculture, serving as the backbone of the area where tourism is predominantly seasonal. Axarquía accounts for 90% of the national mango production and 70% of avocados, mainly exported to Europe. With water restrictions affecting most of the 230,000 inhabitants in the short term, there are concerns about significant social and economic impacts in the long term. The Andalusian government, facing regional reservoirs at only 19% capacity, is even requesting water from the Alqueva dam in Portugal to address the crisis. The situation highlights the vulnerability of agricultural communities to climate-related challenges and underscores the importance of sustainable water management practices.

Source - https://www.freshplaza.com