This was recognized by the Minister of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries (MGAP), Fernando Mattos, who traveled to different areas and listened to rural producers who are in a difficult situation due to the lack of water.
The logical consequence is that there will be a reduced supply of fresh fruit, vegetables and vegetable products in the coming weeks. The fruit coming from a grower who has water will be more expensive and there will be an ample supply of inferior production,” the head of the MGAP said in statements to the press.
Mattos pointed out that import permits could be made possible to ensure the supply of some food.
The Uruguayan government declared an agricultural emergency at the end of October due to drought and is considering extending the application.
The measure includes the granting of loans that some farmers say are unable to pay due to the high production costs due to the drought.
According to Mattos, the agricultural situation has “worsened” in recent days due to the lack of water on the national territory.
Agricultural sectors have reiterated their concerns to the authorities and reports indicate a drop in milk production and even deaths in cattle in the Artigas department on the border with Brazil, among other things.
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