VILLA MADERO, Mexico (AP) — As a drought in Mexico drags on, angry subsistence farmers have begun taking direct action on thirsty avocado orchards and berry fields of commercial farms that are drying up streams in the mountains west of Mexico City.
Rivers and even whole lakes are disappearing in the once green and lush state of Michoacan, as the drought combines with a surge in the use of water for the country’s lucrative export crops, lead by avocados.
In recent days, subsistence farmers and activists from the Michoacan town of Villa Madero organized teams to go into the mountains and rip out illegal water pumps and breach unlicensed irrigation holding ponds.
A potential conflict looms with avocado growers — who are often sponsored by, or pay protection money to, drug cartels.
Last week, dozens of residents, farmworkers and small-scale farmers from Villa Madero hiked up into the hills to tear out irrigation equipment using mountain springs to water avocado orchards carved out of the pine-covered hills.
Yu Darvish extends scoreless innings streak to 25 in Padres' 9
Scammers stole more than $3.4 billion from older Americans last year, an FBI report says
Trainer and Brehm can find a few perks amid New Orleans disappointment
Box office: ‘Challengers’ scores with $15 million in ticket sales
'The Apprentice,' about a young Donald Trump, premieres in Cannes
Rhod Gilbert shares cancer update as he admits he's 'pinching himself' over performing stand
Nigerians struggle with fuel shortages as queues form across major cities
US, Mexico drop bid to host 2027 World Cup
'Constantly learning' Imanaga off to impressive start with the Chicago Cubs
Bizarre moment yacht gets wedged underneath railway arches while being carried on a low