VILLA OLIVA, Paraguay (Reuters) - The Paraguay River has reached a record low this month, primarily due to drought conditions in Brazil. This situation has intensified tensions between local fishers and rice farmers in the Ñeembucú department over water usage in the region, which borders Argentina.
Residents and fishers claim that the water-intensive practices of rice farming are exacerbating already declining water levels. Crescencio Almada, a local fisherman, stated, "It is very damaging. They take a lot of water and river levels get worse." The ongoing drought has affected river flows in the Brazilian Amazon, leading to significant environmental changes.
While fishers attribute the low water levels to agricultural practices, rice farmers and government officials argue that the issue is rooted in broader climate change phenomena. Ignacio Heisecke, president of the Paraguayan Rice Federation, emphasized that low water levels are cyclical and not solely caused by irrigation.
According to David Fariña, director of water protection and conservation at Paraguay's environment ministry, the primary factor contributing to the river's low levels is a lack of rainfall in the basin. He noted that other regional rivers, including the Paraná and Pilcomayo, are facing similar challenges.
The Paraguay River recorded its lowest level on October 11 at the Alberdi port, with expectations of continued low levels through the end of the year. Local fishers, like Sergio Jara, expressed frustration, indicating that their catch has significantly diminished, impacting their livelihoods.