The coordinator of the Risk Management Unit of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG), Édgar Mayeregger, reported that despite the sharp drop in temperatures, no impacts from frosts have yet been observed in productive areas. However, the arrival of a new cold front keeps the agricultural sector on alert, with a risk of agrometeorological frosts — which can occur even without negative temperatures.
“Today conditions may be a little more favorable for the temperature to be a little lower. But at least on the horizon, 0°C is not seen; yes, agrometeorological frosts, which at 3°C already imply problems for cultivation,” explained Mayeregger.
The regions with the highest probability of recording the lowest temperatures include the south and southeast of the country, as well as Bajo Chaco, Paraguarí, Misiones, Caazapá Sur, Alto Paraná, and part of Canindeyú — areas where a large part of extensive agricultural and horticultural production is concentrated.
The most exposed crop is the second-crop soybean and corn, especially in sensitive stages such as flowering, already observed in areas of Itapúa and Alto Paraná. Monitoring is carried out jointly with the Directorate of Meteorology, using short-term forecast models updated daily.
For this week, the risk of frosts is the main focus. Next week, the forecast indicates continued cold, but accompanied by rain, which would reduce the probability of severe frosts. “Next week we will apparently continue with cold, but already with precipitation. This implies that the risk of frost is not so great. But yes, this week we would have to monitor more strongly the places where this event could eventually hit,” said Mayeregger.
The coordinator recommended that producers reinforce preventive measures, such as using sprinkler irrigation to generate steam and mitigate the temperature drop, avoid waterlogging the soil, and protect sensitive crops with thermal covers. In extreme cases, he mentioned the use of smoke as a last resort.
For the medium term, international organizations such as the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the International Center for the El Niño Phenomenon predict the onset of the El Niño phenomenon starting in July.