MEXICO: Farmers in drought-stricken country are hailing a new, locally-developed water technology that's keeping their crops alive during conditions that would normally kill them

Record ID: 304868

  • Title: MEXICO: Farmers in drought-stricken country are hailing a new, locally-developed water technology that's keeping their crops alive during conditions that would normally kill them
  • Date: 16th February 2012
  • Summary: MEXICO CITY, MEXICO (RECENT) (REUTERS) (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) CHEMICAL ENGINEER AND INVENTOR, SERGIO RICO SAYING: "We have created a culture based on water. Here, there are places that are very poor because there is not water and they abandon land because it does not rain, that don't have food because it drains water sources and it only rains sometimes. In general, there
  • Embargoed: 2nd March 2012 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Mexico, Mexico
  • Country: Mexico
  • Topics: Environment,Science
  • Reuters ID: LVAMYU1W856FMBDRYOEVJH8UIPH
  • Story Text: Mexico is in the grip of its worst drought in seven decades with farmers in many parts of the country praying for rain as their crops wither and die.
    However, for one group of farmers who till the land near the small town of Mezquitan in the state of Jalisco, a new technology is providing relief. It's a product called "Solid Rain" and it's designed to provide water to crops in drought zones. It comes in powder form which absorbs water on contact. Once mixed, it is poured into a hole before planting.
    According to farmer Eusebio Martinez, "Solid Rain" is boosting yields and providing subsistence farmers with food for their tables.
    "We have seen plants remained fertile as it they had been watered all year round during this drought," said Martinez.
    Much of Jalisco has been ravaged by the dry spell with traditional water sources left barren by 35 degree (C) plus heat.
    It was the seemingly endless cycle of drought that prompted Mexico City-based chemical engineer Sergio Rico to find a way for Mexico's agriculture sector to survive. Although still in its infancy, Rico says the product could dramatically transform agriculture in the country. The crystalised water also has the potential to combat bushfires in dry environments. The initial success of "Solid Rain" has earned Rico a nomination for Stockholm's prestigious Water Prize for 2012.
    Rico estimates that a one hectare plot of land could be kept thriving for about $500 U.S. dollars and help reduce the bottom line of struggling farmers and communities.
    He says the technology is similar to that used by modern disposable diapers. A highly absorbent acrylate keeps the water in molecular form. The material can hold up to 500 times its weight in water without changing its chemical structure. After absorbing and holding water in a semi-solid state, the material slowly releases it into the soil around the plant's roots. Rico says the process can keep plants flourishing for months, rain or shine. In essence he says, the chemical process taking place produces solid grains of water.
    "With this technology if it stops raining the plant still grows. What is most important is that when the rain ends, we don't lose crops. There is a reserve of humidity in the roots that allows the plants to finish growth and crops open up to one month after the rain. This is productive, it saves money and also enriches agricultural products produced in the country," said Rico.
    Releasing only what is needed to provide sufficient moisture and humidity for the plant with no risk of evaporation from sunlight and contamination, Rico says the final product is both efficient and safe for the environment. He says the material, made up of hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen and potassium, is not soluble in water and cannot therefore be absorbed by the plants.
    From the expansive Chihuahua desert to lush Mayan rainforests, Mexico's diverse environment has reinforced traditional socio-economic barriers that are formed on the basis of water supply and availability. But with half a kilo of the powerful formula able to transform up to 500 litres of water, the product may go some way to addressing such divisions and transforming communities.
    "We have created a culture based on water. Here, there are places that are very poor because there is not water and they abandon land because it does not rain, that don't have food because it drains water sources and it only rains sometimes. In general, there are places where it rains only a little, with water very valuable they cannot enjoy it because there is no culture of optimizing rain water," said Rico.
    With some 70% of Mexico crippled by a record-drought official government estimates have revised down production figures for food staples such as corn and wheat.
    Sergio Rico hopes "Solid Rain" will allow farmers to make some headway in improving the statistics.
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