Agricultural Crisis

Honduras banana exports remain stagnant at around $20 million as fertilizer costs surge 300%, prompting many farmers to sell their land and exit the sector, industry leaders warn.

Mayors from Lempira municipalities reported 100% crop losses from ongoing drought and traveled to Tegucigalpa seeking government relief, while the national farm federation warned Honduras should be declared in emergency.

Southern Honduras's shrimp industry faces over 30% mortality and potential losses of at least $25 million due to severe drought and below-normal rainfall, with 8,000–9,000 jobs at risk in the next six to eight months.

Congress will hold an emergency session on August 19 with mayors from 75 municipalities under yellow alert to address crop losses, water shortages, and food-security risks, proposing immediate aid to farmers, potable water, food assistance, and investment mechanisms.

To ease drought-driven price pressure, the government is releasing 120,000 quintals (about 5,400 metric tons) of beans from state reserves at L18 per pound (about $0.72) through Banasupro, with a 25-pound limit per person.

A prolonged dry spell is devastating agriculture across six municipalities in southern La Paz Department, prompting local leaders to call on the government for emergency aid to farmers.

An agricultural leader in Olancho expressed alarm over a severe drought threatening dry-season plantings and grain production, calling the current conditions unprecedented and warning of potential food-security risks.