Mexico (Veracruz): Frost impacts potato crops in the highlands of La Perla.

Low temperatures and frosts recorded in the highlands of the municipality of La Perla have begun to impact potato and foliage crops, according to Juan Artemio Rodríguez Maceda, president of the Regional Peasant Committee (CRC).

The farmers’ representative explained that, although potatoes are a crop adapted to cold climates, the current climatic conditions have exceeded the usual levels. 

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He explained that these are no longer just ordinary cold temperatures, but frosts. He pointed out that if the plants are young or mature, the frost damages them irreversibly.

He pointed out that the most affected area is the upper part of the municipality, where approximately 50% of the land planted with potatoes and foliage is concentrated.

Rodríguez Maceda explained that the impact is especially visible on the foliage, whose leaves are scorched by the extreme temperatures. He emphasized that, unfortunately, there is no effective measure to protect these crops against this phenomenon.

He also mentioned that, so far, there is no precise calculation of the affected hectares, as the winter season is just beginning.

He explained that winter has just begun in earnest, creating uncertainty about whether temperatures could become even more extreme. In rural areas, one always hopes the weather won’t turn severe, whether from cold or heat, he added.

The leader also expressed the producers’ concern about the possibility that, after the frosts, high temperatures will be recorded, as happened two years ago, when extreme heat caused serious losses in the agricultural sector.

Finally, he warned that if current weather conditions persist for the remainder of the season, the economic consequences for producers could be significant. He concluded by noting that nature is unpredictable, but if the weather continues under these circumstances, damage will be inevitable.