The Mar y Sierras area of Argentina, particularly the coastal region of Necochea, has been severely impacted by one of the worst droughts in the past 40 years during the summer of 2025/26. After a winter that provided a good amount of rainfall, with approximately 470 mm recorded between June and November, the following summer months yielded very little precipitation: only 78 mm, compared to a historical average of 206 mm. This dramatic decline in rainfall has raised significant concerns among local farmers and agricultural experts regarding the sustainability of crops and the overall health of the ecosystem in the region.

The drought has had varied impacts, indicating that the effects are not uniform across different soil types. Well-managed deep soils were able to utilize the water reserves accumulated during the wet winter, allowing some crops to survive. Conversely, areas with shallower soils and the presence of tosca—a type of rocky soil found in the region—suffered greatly from water stress due to their limited ability to store moisture. The situation has raised alarms about the viability of farming practices in these areas, as farmers grapple with diminished yields and increased costs for irrigation in an already challenging economic landscape.

This drought not only presents a crisis for local farmers but also opens up discussions about climate resilience and agricultural practices in Argentina. The region's reliance on consistent rainfall makes it particularly vulnerable to climate variability, prompting farmers and policymakers to consider adaptive strategies that can mitigate the effects of future droughts and ensure food security in the face of changing climatic conditions. Addressing such challenges will be crucial for the long-term sustainability of agriculture in Argentina’s vital farming regions.