Title: Texas Farmers Suffer as Mexico Fails to Deliver Promised Water
American farmers in the Lower Rio Grande region are facing a crisis as Mexico falls behind on its obligation to provide irrigation water, causing significant losses in crops and economic impact.
Brian Jones, a farmer with nearly 40 years of experience, expressed his frustration at having zero irrigation water this year, leading to a drastic drop in his crop yield. Under a treaty dating back to the 1940s, Mexico agreed to supply a certain amount of water to the region, but farmers like Jones are feeling the effects of the shortfall.
Luis Ribera, an extension economist for Texas A&M, warned of the potential loss of $500 million and over 8,500 jobs in the agriculture sector if the water shortage continues. The closure of a sugar mill due to lack of water further highlights the severity of the situation.
Jones emphasized the importance of Mexico fulfilling its obligations, stating that the future of farming in the region depends on it. Professor Ribera also raised concerns about the impact on grocery prices if the issue is not resolved promptly.
The looming crisis in Texas agriculture underscores the urgent need for Mexico to uphold its end of the water treaty, as farmers struggle to cope with the devastating consequences of the water shortage.
