Bolivian farmers warn winter harvest at risk due to diesel shortage

Producers in Cuatro Cañadas, Bolivia, are sounding the alarm over a severe diesel shortage that threatens their winter harvest. The lack of fuel is causing significant delays in the collection of wheat, sorghum, and sunflower crops, essential for the region's agricultural output.

Long queues at fuel stations and difficulties in moving machinery, harvested grains, and other necessary supplies have become commonplace. Farmers report waiting for hours, with some arriving with camping chairs and bidons to secure their place in line. Felipe Paredes, a wheat producer, expressed his frustration, stating, "We are in the middle of the harvest and we don't know what to do. Diesel is scarce for the farmers of Cuatro Cañadas. We are being harmed."

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We are in the middle of the harvest and we don't know what to do. Diesel is scarce for the farmers of Cuatro Cañadas. We are being harmed.

The situation is exacerbated by recent strong winds in the area, which have caused some wheat and sorghum crops to fall, increasing the risk of further losses if they cannot be harvested promptly. Joel Eyzaguirre, a representative from the Anapo Cuatro Cañadas branch, noted that only about 30 percent of the wheat harvest is complete, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

The agricultural sector is calling for an immediate solution from authorities, emphasizing that the fuel scarcity impacts not only farmers but also transporters and other workers dependent on the movement of agricultural products. The economic repercussions of a failed harvest could be substantial for the region.

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We are in full campaign and we have approximately 30 percent progress in the wheat harvest.