Paraguay's Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG), through the Directorate of Agrarian Extension (DEAg) and the Risk Management Unit (UGR), issued an agrometeorological alert in light of the forecast of a sharp temperature decline starting this Tuesday, May 19, with the possibility of agrometeorological frosts in specific areas of the country.
According to the official report, the lowest temperatures are expected to concentrate mainly in the central and southern zones of the Eastern Region, where conditions may favor the occurrence of frosts. The phenomenon is defined when air temperature reaches 3°C or lower, measured under standard weather conditions at a height of 1.5 to 2 meters above the ground.
For extensive crops such as wheat, oats, and canola, MAG recommends adjusting sowing dates, selecting cold-tolerant varieties, and maintaining stubble cover to protect the soil. For second-crop corn and sorghum, the guidance is to conserve soil moisture, avoid prior plant stress, and plan future sowings.
Vegetables, considered high risk under low temperatures, require measures such as nighttime sprinkler irrigation, use of thermal blankets, tunnels and micro-tunnels, or greenhouses to mitigate the impact of frosts.
In livestock production, recommendations include providing adequate shelter for animals, ensuring availability of water and feed, and reducing exposure to thermal stress during the coldest days.
MAG also urged farmers to constantly monitor weather forecasts and alerts, especially in low-lying areas and terrain depressions, where temperatures tend to drop more intensely. The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the productive sector with technical information and practical recommendations to mitigate climate risks and protect national production.