El Niño threatens to raise dairy prices by up to 70% in the Caribbean due to livestock production drop
Dairy production could fall by up to 70% due to the effects of the El Niño phenomenon in the Colombian Caribbean. Photo: iStock
TL;DR
- El Niño is causing significant concern for inflationary impacts in the Colombian Caribbean.
- Reduced rainfall is diminishing pasture and water resources crucial for livestock.
- Milk production is projected to decline by 60% to 70% due to El Niño, exceeding typical summer reductions.
- Prices for dairy products, like cheese, are expected to increase by approximately 70%, potentially rising from 20,000-22,000 pesos to over 30,000-32,000 pesos per kilo.
- Lower-income households are disproportionately affected due to the significant portion dairy products represent in their daily diets.
- The livestock sector is calling for institutional measures such as food storage for cattle and the implementation of irrigation systems to mitigate the crisis.