Minister (s) of Agriculture argues that crops are without major impacts at this minute

Ministry officials confirmed today that agricultural crops remain largely unaffected as of this moment, according to reports from local media. During a morning meeting held by Minister Francesco Venezian, head of the Ministry of Agriculture, along with regional authorities affected by the weather front, the government assessed the impact of recent rains and winds on the country’s agricultural production. The emergency committee convened to monitor the effects of the weather system on the nation's farming industry. Venezian stated that so far, the main damage has been caused by wind-related issues affecting agricultural infrastructure such as greenhouses and roofs. He noted that while there was some impact on pastures in the Biobío region, this would likely require additional support for farmers in terms of fodder supply over the coming weeks. Regarding crop conditions, Venezian emphasized that there have been no major damages observed at this time. He mentioned that rainfall levels have ranged between 18 and 150 millimeters depending on the region. The minister stressed the importance of ensuring that water does not linger excessively on cultivated land, warning that prolonged saturation could pose risks to current planting efforts. He further explained that in northern areas, including La Paloma reservoir, there has been a noticeable increase in inflow since the 16th, reaching levels above 33 cubic meters. This has started the process of filling the reservoirs, which is viewed positively. The controlled release of water from these reservoirs will help manage river flows and maintain proper drainage systems. Venezian warned that traditional crops, particularly wheat and barley, could face challenges if water fails to drain quickly. He pointed out that delayed drainage might lead to deterioration of current plantings. However, he added that the situation regarding horticultural crops appears stable for now, based on his inspection of the Quillota area. Despite the current stability, the minister acknowledged potential future impacts. If the weather front continues its course, damage to vegetable crops could become evident by late August or September. Officials continue to monitor the situation closely and are preparing contingency measures to address any emerging concerns.