BCS Battles Drought with Strategic Corn and Sorghum Planting in Valle de Santo Domingo

Facing a severe dry season projected for 2026, the Government of Baja California Sur, through SEPADA, has launched a key piece of the Strategic Drought Response Plan. In the heart of the Valle de Santo Domingo, preparations have begun for planting five hectares of high-efficiency corn and forage sorghum. This initiative is more than just planting; it is a rescue operation for small livestock producers in La Paz, Comondú, Loreto, and Mulegé, ensuring that the cattle have nutritious feed despite the scarcity of natural pastures caused by the lack of rain.

From an arid zone agronomy and water efficiency perspective, the selection of sorghum and forage corn responds to their biomass capacity and thermal resistance. To optimize the resource, calculated planting densities and moisture monitoring systems are used. Productivity is measured through yield per unit area, where record figures of up to 100 tons per hectare for corn are projected for this 2026.

The success of the 2026 plan lies in focused delivery. Forage produced in the state nursery is distributed directly to mountainous areas where the drought hits hardest. In addition to planting, the plan integrates revolving funds and food packages, creating a safety net that prevents cattle loss. The Valle de Santo Domingo thus reaffirms its role as the "emergency granary" sustaining the state's livestock vocation.

In conclusion, local ranchers are recommended to visit SEPADA offices to register for the beneficiary list and receive technical advice on food supplementation. Prevention is the best tool against climate change. For the remainder of March 2026, the germination phase in the nursery is expected to be completed, preparing the first major harvest of support for the summer.