Drought: the consequences of high heat and lack of water on agriculture

The exceptional drought in the summer of 2022 had a significant impact on harvests, but certain fruits benefited: peaches, with production up 17%, and apricots, 16% compared to the average over the last five years. . “Good results due above all to a return to normal production levels, after two years heavily marked by frost“, highlights the journalist Anne-Claire Le Sann.

Others have seen their harvests plummet. “With the heat, some fruits and vegetables have grown faster, but the lack of water this summer leads to a lower production between – 25% and 35%. This is particularly the case for cucumbers, courgettes and melons“, adds the journalist.

For cereals, on the other hand, the balance is negative overall. Distinctions are made by region. “For wheat, the harvest is disappointing, down 15% in the southern half of the country (…). On the other hand, in the north, the late rains of June saved the situation. In the end, the production is sufficient to supply the markets. Corn, too, has suffered greatly from the drought, only half of the cultivated areas are in good condition. Production fell by 18% compared to last year”, reports the journalist.

Grass also grew much less in the prairies, down 21%. Some breeders have had to feed their animals with fodder, while winter has not yet arrived.