The impact of climate change on corn production in Michoacán

In recent years, staple grain prices have seen significant increases, both nationally and internationally. This trend is due to a combination of economic, political, and, increasingly, climatic factors.

In Mexico, a country highly dependent on imports, these impacts are felt particularly strongly.

Corn, more than a crop, is a symbol of Mexican culture and economy. In Michoacán, one of the main states producing rainfed corn, climate change is jeopardizing the sustainability of this agricultural activity.

Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and soil deterioration threaten not only yields but also the livelihoods of thousands of small farmers.

One of the most obvious effects of climate change is the alteration of rainfall. In Michoacán, prolonged droughts are becoming more frequent, interspersed with intense rains that damage crops. This meteorological instability makes planning planting and harvesting difficult, especially for those who depend exclusively on the rainy season.

Added to this is the rise in average temperature, which causes water stress: when water evaporation exceeds the soil's and plants' capacity to retain it. This reduces photosynthesis, shortens the crop cycle, and decreases production.

International studies estimate that for every degree Celsius increase in temperature, corn yields can decrease considerably.

In Mexico, projections indicate that this trend will directly affect the economic balance of corn producers, especially those without access to irrigation, although even those with backup irrigation could see their profitability reduced.

The impact is not limited to the quantity produced. A reduction in the nutritional quality of the grain has also been detected: higher levels of CO² in the atmosphere reduce the content of essential proteins and minerals.

This represents an additional risk to food security, since corn is a staple food in the Mexican diet.

Soil deterioration is another worrying factor. Erosion, loss of organic matter, and compaction reduce the soil's ability to sustain healthy crops, forcing farmers to increase their use of fertilizers or, in extreme cases, abandon unproductive plots.

In Michoacán, much of the corn is grown by small farmers who lack access to irrigation systems, advanced agricultural technology, or competitive financing.

This lack of resources makes them more vulnerable to extreme weather events. In years of severe drought, significant losses have been recorded across the entire planted area.

Given this situation, it is essential to promote solutions that allow us to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change. Modernizing irrigation systems, efficient water management, and implementing sustainable agricultural practices—such as the use of biofertilizers—are key actions to ensure the viability of production.

In this regard, FIRA is implementing a special program focused on supporting farmers in the acquisition of products for fertilization and soil improvement, known as biofertilizers. This initiative not only seeks to benefit producers but also contributes to environmental preservation.

The SUSTENTA+ program is designed to channel resources through parafinancial institutions so that producers can access favorable credit terms and continue their agricultural activities. It also includes direct support for the purchase of biofertilizers, which helps reduce production costs.

While FIRA's programs always promote financial inclusion, this time the central objective is to provide a tangible benefit to producers, strengthening their capacity to face the challenges posed by climate change.

Corn production in Michoacán faces an uncertain future, but with the support of public policies, financial assistance, and the adoption of sustainable practices, it is possible to build a more resilient agricultural model.

The task is urgent: corn is not just a crop, it is part of our national identity, and protecting it means protecting our history, our culture, and our food security.

*Arturo Alvarado Gómez is a promoter at the La Piedad agency in Michoacán. “The opinions are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the official views of FIRA.”