Liconsa warns the Campeche dairy sector about the risks posed by the screwworm and ongoing drought, urging immediate measures to protect livestock and ensure water supply.
Liconsa, Mexico’s largest state-owned dairy producer, has issued a warning to local dairy farmers in the state of Campeche regarding two significant threats: the screwworm and an ongoing drought. These challenges are creating a tense situation for the region’s dairy cattle, which supply a large portion of the nation’s milk.
Liconsa’s state manager, Abid Flores Moo, emphasized that while Campeche’s dairy sector holds considerable promise due to favorable conditions for livestock growth and strong federal support from President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, the threats from the screwworm and drought require immediate attention.
Regions such as Champotón, Campeche, Escárcega, Candelaria, and Carmen, which are responsible for approximately 85.3% of the state’s milk production, are particularly at risk. The state produces about 46 million liters of milk annually, marking its importance to Mexico’s dairy industry.
The screwworm, a parasitic insect that affects livestock, has been a major concern. Liconsa has called for farmers to adopt heightened animal health protocols and preventive measures to avoid losses in livestock and milk production.
Compounding the situation, the ongoing drought has created water shortages, which could further impact the dairy sector. Flores Moo advised farmers to ensure their production centers have sufficient water supplies. According to the Secretariat of Agriculture and Rural Development, it takes about 200 liters of water to produce just 200 ml of milk, highlighting the importance of sustainable water management for dairy farming.
Liconsa’s warning is a crucial reminder for dairy farmers to take proactive steps to safeguard the industry’s future, particularly in light of the growing challenges faced by the sector in Campeche.
