Low levels in Paraguay River ignites conflicts

The Paraguay River hit a record low level this month due to drought upstream in Brazil, which as created a conflict between fishers and rice farmers in Ñeembucú, a wetland region on the border of Paraguay and Argentina. Local fishers blame water-intensive rice farms for worsening already low water levels, which have been exacerbated by climate change. While rice farmers and the government attribute the issue to climate change, the Paraguayan Rice Federation insists that upstream conditions, not irrigation, are to blame. David Fariña, director of water protection and conservation at Paraguay's environment ministry, said that low water levels are due to lack of rainfall in the river basin and the severe drought up river in Brazil. Paraguay cultivates 70,800 hectares (175,000 acres) of rice across Ñeembucú and other regions producing about 1.5 million metric tons (1.65 million tons) annually. Water levels are expected to remain low until the end of the year. Watch CGTN LIVE on your computer, tablet or mobile https://cgtnamerica.vhx.tv/videos/hd-live-broadcasts Subscribe to CGTN America on YouTube Follow CGTN America: Twitter: @cgtnamerica Facebook: @cgtnamerica Instagram: @cgtnamerica TikTok: @newstoks This material is distributed by MediaLinks TV, LLC on behalf of CCTV. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.