Brazil is currently grappling with the most severe drought in recorded history, leading to a significant drop in citrus production. The country, which is a major citrus grower and the largest orange juice exporter globally, has been hit hard by the extreme dry weather and subsequent impact on its agriculture sector.
According to a report published by the Brazilian National Center for Monitoring and Early Warning of Natural Disasters, the current drought is the worst since records began in 1950. Over 5 million square kilometers, or 58% of Brazil’s land area, are experiencing drought, with more than a third facing extreme drought.
The severe drought has been attributed to several factors, including the El Niño phenomenon, which has caused widespread temperature increases and reduced precipitation across the country. The difficulty in the passage of cold fronts through high-pressure areas has resulted in insufficient rainfall, and the warming of the North Atlantic tropical cyclones has led to an extended dry season.
The drought has not only impacted the agricultural sector but has also led to numerous wildfires across Brazil. The lack of rain has led to air humidity levels dropping below 10% in several cities, with some areas experiencing levels as low as 7%, approaching the arid levels of the Sahara Desert. The extreme dryness not only affects public health but has also placed over 1,000 towns on fire alert.
In the outskirts of the capital, Brasília, where there has been no rainfall for over 130 days, fires have broken out twice in the past two weeks. Besides the direct threat to safety, the smoke from the fires has affected traffic safety and led to air quality deterioration in several cities, impacting public health.
The severe drought has also exacerbated pests and diseases, leading to a significant reduction in agricultural output. The drop in river water levels has reduced the efficiency of hydroelectric power generation, threatening the power supply for production and daily life. The low water levels have also made some rivers impassable, partially interrupting river navigation and isolating regions that depend on it, severely affecting the daily lives of residents.
The impact of the drought has been particularly felt in the citrus industry, which is a vital part of Brazil’s economy. Brazil is one of the world’s leading citrus producers and the largest orange juice exporter. However, the recent dry weather and high temperatures have caused a significant drop in citrus production.
According to a report by the Brazilian Citrus Industry, the country’s orange production is expected to reach 232 million boxes in the 2024-2025 harvest season, the lowest level in 36 years. This has led to a significant increase in the price of citrus in Brazil. In São Paulo State, one of the main citrus-producing regions, the citrus production has dropped by 30% due to the widespread occurrence of the Huanglongbing disease and frequent high temperatures and droughts.
Brazilian citrus farmer Victor, who owns an 800-hectare citrus orchard in Casablanca, São Paulo State, said that the yield per hectare has dropped from 800 boxes to 560 boxes due to Huanglongbing and other issues. Considering the total amount, this loss is certainly very large, Victor said.
The situation in Brazil serves as a stark reminder of the impact that climate change can have on agriculture and the food supply. The country’s citrus industry, which is a significant part of its economy, is facing unprecedented challenges due to the severe drought. As the situation worsens, it remains to be seen how Brazil will cope with the consequences of the drought and its impact on its citrus industry.
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