Advance of the agricultural campaign in the central and southern highlands faces challenges due to rainfall deficit

The National Meteorology and Hydrology Service of Peru (Senamhi) reports that the combination of scarce rainfall, late frosts, and adverse environmental conditions are affecting the start and progress of the 2025-2026 agricultural campaign in the central and southern highlands of the country. In Puno, localities such as Cabanillas, Taraco, and Juliaca report damage to quinoa, potato, and broad bean crops during their emergency phase. In fields with more advanced crops, there is a noticeable delay in vegetative growth and symptoms of wilting. The recent drop in nighttime temperatures in the district of Arapa caused additional damage, including the mortality of seedlings. Similar situations are recorded in the low and mid-zones of the district of Acora. In Cusco, maize and potato plantations located in Livitaca, Colquemarca, San Pedro, Anta Ancachuro, and Sicuani present wilting aggravated by recent frosts. Likewise, the inter-Andean valleys of Quiquijana, Caycay, and Urubamba ...