An early summer drought has struck Europe's most important rice-growing region, leaving fields in Italy's Pavia province parched and weeds overtaking paddies. Farmer Sharon Angoli is among those grappling with the dry conditions, which arrived weeks ahead of schedule.
The drought threatens a crop central to European cuisine and the region's agricultural economy. Pavia province accounts for a significant share of the continent's rice output, and the lack of water during the critical growing season could reduce yields.
Weeds are proliferating in the dry paddies, competing with rice plants for scarce moisture. Angoli reported that the unusual heat has accelerated the growing cycle, but without sufficient irrigation, the plants are struggling to develop.
If rains do not arrive soon, harvests may shrink substantially, driving up prices for European consumers. Local authorities are assessing water allocation amid competing demands from agriculture, industry, and households.
While this season's outcome remains uncertain, recurring droughts raise questions about the long-term viability of rice farming in the region under a warming climate.