Hydraulic crisis in Olmos: more than 40,000 hectares of agricultural land at risk.

In the Olmos region, the hydraulic situation has become critical. Over 40,000 hectares of agricultural land are at risk due to severe water shortages, a crisis that has raised alarms among farmer collectives that depend on the Limón Dam, a vital infrastructure of the Olmos Tinajones project. The concessionaire Transvase Olmos, responsible for the operation of this dam, is at the center of the debate, as farmers demand urgent attention to its maintenance, which has been neglected in recent times. Sedimentation problems have been identified as one of the most concerning factors, as the mud carried by the Huancabamba River has compromised the storage capacity of the dam. This situation has been reported by farmers and agro-exporters in the area, who have expressed their dissatisfaction through various platforms, including reports to local television stations. The lack of action on this issue could have devastating repercussions for agricultural production in the region. A source close to the issue highlighted that, despite agro-export companies contributing over 20 million dollars annually for the cost of water, the necessary maintenance of the dam has not been adequately performed. This inaction has led to a progressive deterioration of a key infrastructure for irrigating fertile lands, resulting in a vicious cycle of scarcity and declining productivity. Farmers have emphasized that the situation is unsustainable. With increasing water scarcity, agricultural production has been severely affected, putting at risk not only the local economy but also Peru's ability to export high-quality agricultural products. The lack of water does not discriminate between large agro-exporters and small farmers, who depend on these lands for their livelihood. The urgency of the collectives' request is clear. "It is necessary to clear the dam and ensure a continuous and efficient water supply," they stated, highlighting that the current situation not only jeopardizes immediate production but also compromises the long-term sustainability of the Olmos irrigation project. This infrastructure is essential not only for the agricultural development of the region but also for the overall economic growth of the country. Farmers have called on the concessionaire to take immediate and effective measures. The lack of response to this crisis could lead to an irreversible decline in agricultural production in Olmos, with consequences that would reflect on food security and the economic stability of thousands of families who depend on this activity. The agricultural community faces an alarming dilemma: the lack of water not only affects crops but also jeopardizes the future of one of the country's main economic activities. Farmers warn that time is running out to act and that government and concessionaire intervention is crucial to avoid a catastrophe. Climate forecasts that favor the cultivation of products like avocados contrast with the harsh reality of scarce water. Without proper management of water resources, these benefits could quickly fade, leaving farmers in a vulnerable position. The situation in Olmos is a clear example of how the lack of maintenance and attention to critical infrastructure can have a devastating impact on local economies. The community hopes that their plea will be heard and that necessary measures will be taken to restore the health of the Limón Dam and ensure a prosperous future for agriculture in the region.