The Peruvian National Meteorology and Water Service (Senamhi) has forecast the magnitude of weather phenomenon El Niño will rise from weak to moderate this Southern Hemisphere summer.

A Senamhi release said if current weather trends on the Pacific coast continued it would lead to heavy rains in the country's north and drought in the south.

The prediction has raised alarm for growers, with the Peruvian Agricultural Growers' Unions Association (AGAP) claiming it would lead to a significant reductions in asparagus, grape and mango production.

"Currently there is a decline in asparagus production of 20%. However, if the heat continues and with El Niño, we could have a decrease of 40%," AGAP vice president José Luis Gómez told website Larepublica.pe.

"We are worried there will be rain in November and December that could have an impact on grape production"

Gómez added mangos would also be affected with a production cut of between 20-30%.

Ministry of Agriculture chief of staff César Paz, highlighted bananas as another crop that would be sensitive to the wet conditions.

"El Niño produces high rainfall in some areas and drought in others, and that's why the Ministry of Agriculture monitors weather factors," Paz was quoted as saying.

"We are launching a national prevention program in all critical areas. This will finance the construction of coastal defenses."

Photo: USI

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