Agricultural authorities are warning of losses due to drought and are urging farmers to change their planting strategies in several regions of Honduras.

The El Niño phenomenon threatens to cause droughts and losses in corn and bean crops (Photo: Archive). The irregularity of rainfall and the increase in temperatures are putting the Honduran agricultural sector on alert. The Secretariat of Agriculture and Livestock (SAG) warned that several areas of the country will face adverse weather conditions during the first cycle of 2026, and therefore called on producers to modify their planting practices to reduce losses in basic grain crops. Tirsa Espinoza, coordinator of the Climate Change Unit of the SAG, stated that the institution is working with the Permanent Commission for Contingencies (Copeco) in the analysis of climate prospects for the coming months. The goal is to anticipate measures that will protect agricultural production and the food security of thousands of families. According to official projections, departments such as Valle, Choluteca, southern Francisco Morazán, and La Paz would experience a significant decrease in rainfall, accompanied by higher temperatures and a prolonged dry season during July, one of the most critical periods for crops. Authorities recommended avoiding planting corn in those areas, as this crop requires higher levels of humidity and could be severely affected by the lack of water. In contrast, beans appear to be a more resistant alternative to cope with the expected conditions, as they have a shorter production cycle and lower water demand. Espinoza emphasized the need to make preventive decisions: "If rainfall decreases and temperatures increase, producers must make preventive decisions to avoid losing their crops." One of the main calls from the SAG is to take advantage of the rains in May and June to store water that can be used later during the dry season. Authorities warn that July could become the driest month of the rainy season, which would increase the risk of agricultural losses, especially in areas of the Dry Corridor. Areas such as Valle, Choluteca, southern Francisco Morazán, and La Paz will face a prolonged dry season, and rainfall levels will drop drastically in July. (Courtesy) As part of the preventive measures, the SAG has already begun distributing technological bonuses to small producers, which include improved seeds, technical assistance, and agricultural inputs to better cope with climate variability. The institution also maintains continuous monitoring of weather conditions to adjust planting recommendations in different regions of the country. Unlike other areas of the national territory, the department of Olancho presents a more stable climate outlook for the next agricultural cycle. According to projections reviewed by the SAG, that region would maintain rainfall levels within normal parameters during July, allowing for the development of corn and bean crops without major restrictions. However, experts warn that the climate situation can change rapidly due to the effects associated with climate change and the El Niño phenomenon in Central America. The concern about drought extends beyond the national level. International organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) have warned about the growing risk facing the Central American Dry Corridor due to the reduction in rainfall and the increase in temperatures. Archive image of a female farmer showing corn and various foods grown in the Yar Pue Cumbe community seed bank of the Cumbe Technical Agropecuarian Institution, in Cumbal, Nariño (Colombia). EFE/ Mario Baos. In recent weeks, the United Nations has activated anticipatory action programs in Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador to reduce the humanitarian impact of the drought before the situation evolves into a food crisis. Among the main recommendations of the FAO for Honduras and Central America are strengthening early warning systems, community water storage, using drought-resistant seeds, diversifying crops, and providing technical support to small producers. In addition, international organizations insist on the need to promote climate-smart agriculture, improve water resource management, and expand social protection programs for the most vulnerable rural families. Experts warn that, if weather conditions continue to deteriorate, national food production could be compromised in the coming months, increasing the risk of food insecurity for thousands of Honduran households that depend on subsistence agriculture.