Costa Rican farmers face crisis as floods destroy crops

The last ones heavy rains in Costa Rica have damaged the country’s agricultural sector, causing widespread flooding, landslides and severe disruptions to agricultural activities. The effects were particularly devastating in Guanacaste, where plantations of rice, beans, coffee, oil palm and sugar cane were the most affected. Victor Carvajal, the minister of agriculture and livestock, described the damage as “extremely serious” in all cantons under the emergency decree. Although authorities are still assessing the full extent of the damage, thousands of growers are expected to be affected.

Mass damage to crops

Rice production in Costa Rica, a cornerstone of the nation’s food security, faces serious challenges. Most of the fields are flooded, in some places the water level reaches waist height, resulting in a complete loss of crops. Niger Parajeles, an engineer from the National Rice Corporation (CONARROZ), said: “These conditions are absolutely unfavorable for the crop. This rice has been in this condition for more than two days. The ear is completely submerged.”

CONARROZ reports that 4,847 hectares of rice have been affected in the Chorotega region alone, with 547 hectares severely damaged. In the Central Pacific region, 16 hectares were reported, all of which were damaged, while in the Brunka region, 202 hectares were affected, of which 2 hectares were considered severely damaged.

Coffee farms in early ripening regions also struggle, while sugarcane, although more resilient, deteriorates after prolonged submergence or exposure to strong water currents. In Nicoya, Guanacaste, bean crops, which are mainly grown by farmers for personal consumption or small-scale local sales, have been significantly affected, creating a serious social problem for affected families.

The National Chamber of Agriculture and Agribusiness (CNAA) made an initial damage estimate of ¢500 million (approximately $925,925). Livestock farmers and beekeepers also have losses, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAH) continues to assess the damage.

Ongoing weather issues and regional impact

National Meteorological Institute (IMN) warned that heavy rain would continue in the Pacific and Central Valley regions through Sunday. The forecast comes as Tropical Storm Sara continues to affect the region, causing severe flooding in both Honduras and Costa Rica.

The northwestern tourist province of Guanacaste remains one of the hardest-hit areas, with crops and homes flooded, roads closed and the local airport closed. In southern Costa Rica, near the border with Panama, overflowing rivers left entire communities isolated. Three main roads in the country were affected by landslides.

The entire Pacific coast of Costa Rica, including Guanacaste, has declared a red alert, and the country has been under a state of emergency since Thursday. Rains in the past two weeks, before Sarah’s arrival, have caused three deaths, five disappearances and 2,106 people have been moved to shelters in Costa Rica. The government suspended classes.

As Costa Rica grapples with this agricultural crisis and continued severe weather, authorities continue to work to assess the full extent of the damage and provide support to affected farmers and communities.