The Minister (s) of Agriculture, José Ignacio Pinochet, declared zone of agricultural emergency for eight communes in the Ñuble Region, due to the water shortage that affects the area.

The measure is based on the analysis of a series of reports, including the Agricultural Research Institute (INIA), the Agricultural Development Institute (INDAP), National Irrigation Commission (CNR) and the General Water Directorate (DGA) of the Ministry of Public Works, which recommended covering the communes of San Carlos, Ñiquén, Chillán, Chillán Viejo, Coihueco, San Nicolás, Pinto and Bulnes.

“We have seen the serious effects of the water deficit in the Ñuble region, which have caused damage to the productive capacities, especially of small farmers in the region,” Pinochet said.

Then, he added: "We hope with all our heart that the greater resources assigned to these communes will serve to alleviate a little the suffering of the families of Ñuble."

As reported by INIA, during 2019, there was a rainfall deficit of the order of 40% per year.

The foregoing was reflected in satellite images, where the intermediate depression of the north-central zone presents vegetation in a significantly unfavorable condition with respect to normal.