The region Piura is going through a serious drought that threatens thousands of families, farmers and agro-export companies. Raúl Martínez, dean of the College of Economists, points out that economic losses could exceed US$2 billion if the situation persists. Nearly 60,000 hectares of crops are at risk in the Upper, Middle and Lower Piura, San Lorenzo and Chira valleys.
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The lack of water directly affects food security. Products such as rice and lemon could become more expensive and scarce, which, according to Martínez, would generate inflation and food precariousness, both in Piura and in the rest of the country.
In addition, Mateo Gómez, president of the Piura Chamber of Commerce, warned that 70% of agricultural lands are in danger, including key crops such as banana, mango and rice. This could cost the region up to 60,000 jobs, many held by women.
The crisis is worsened by poor water management. The Poechos dam operates at 30% of its capacity due to sedimentation, and some farmers in the Chira Valley have broken dams to save their crops. In areas such as Macacará, Arenal and La Huaca thousands of hectares have been left without watering.
Agroindustrial companies like Agroaurora only manage to irrigate 20% of their lands, reflecting the seriousness of the situation due to water scarcity.
THE SOLUTION MUST BE COMPREHENSIVE
Experts agree that the solution must be joint. Among the proposals are the construction of satellite reservoirs, the use of more efficient irrigation systems, or restructuring towards crops that demand less water.
“This crisis is a call to better manage a vital resource for development and life,” concluded Mateo Gómez, president of the Piura Chamber of Commerce. Meanwhile, the drought continues to hit, and Piura faces one of the greatest challenges in its history due to climate change.
On the other hand, the Ministry of Housing, Construction and Sanitation (MVCS) transferred more than S/ 6.7 million in favor of the Sanitation Services Provider Company (EPS) Grau, in order to guarantee the production of drinking water for the population of the region.
Through Ministerial Resolution No. 453-2024, the sector provides authorization for the transfer to the EPS Grau of S/ 6,745,765 to finance the repair and maintenance of the Curumuy Drinking Water Treatment Plant.
Housing Minister Durich Whittembury stated that this transfer seeks to guarantee the sustainability of the drinking water service provided to the population of Piura.
“This transfer occurs within the framework of the State of Emergency in 34 districts of seven provinces of the Piura region, and as part of the commitment to close gaps in access to drinking water and sanitation, in regions where the coverage of these services is limited,” he concluded.
