Tulum Farmers Adapt to Heat for 2025 Planting Season

Tulum, Quintana Roo — Farmers in the Mayan communities of Tulum are preparing their fields for the 2025 planting season, expressing gratitude for the land’s bounty while adapting to current high temperatures. In observance of International Mother Earth Day on April 22, local farmers have begun clearing and deforesting their plots but are avoiding controlled burns due to the heightened risk of wildfires.

Cleaning and Deforestation Underway

Miguel Cahuich, a farmer from the village of San Silverio, explained that the current heat has limited activities to cleaning and deforestation using machetes and coas (traditional farming tools). He emphasized that burning is not an option during the ongoing wildfire season and that farmers will wait for the rainy season, which begins on June 1.

"We are starting this year with optimism," Cahuich said. "We’ve already begun cleaning and clearing the fields, but due to the high temperatures, we’re only doing manual work and avoiding burns because of the wildfire risk."

Trust in Mayan Calendar and Climate Forecasts

Ariel Aban, another local farmer, noted that the community relies on the Mayan calendar, which predicts a favorable 2025 agricultural cycle. He also acknowledged climate reports from specialized authorities indicating that drought conditions will be more severe in northern Mexico compared to the southeastern region.

Aban grows beans, squash, and corn while also practicing beekeeping. He expressed hope that rains will arrive on schedule to ensure successful harvests. However, he recalled unpredictable weather patterns in past years, stating that conditions sometimes "do not keep their word." Despite significant agricultural losses in previous seasons, farmers remain hopeful for a better outcome this year.

Balancing Tradition and Environmental Caution

The farmers’ preparations reflect a balance between traditional practices and modern environmental awareness. By avoiding burns during the wildfire season, they aim to protect the land while ensuring sustainable cultivation. Their efforts align with broader regional initiatives to preserve ecosystems, as highlighted by the Council of the Yucatán Peninsula Watershed, which has emphasized collective responsibility in safeguarding Mother Earth.

The upcoming rainy season will be critical in determining whether the farmers’ cautious optimism translates into a productive harvest. For now, their focus remains on meticulous field preparation, honoring ancestral knowledge while adapting to contemporary climate challenges.