Bacalar farmers protest water law reform over agricultural concerns

Bacalar, Quintana Roo – Agricultural producers and livestock farmers in the municipality of Bacalar held a peaceful protest to express their rejection of the recent reform to the National Water Law, which they say could affect well usage, increase costs for water access procedures, and limit the development of their activities.

The mobilization took place at kilometer 4 of the Cafetal-Mahahual intersection, where farmers installed banners and signs with messages such as “Do not negotiate what God gave us” and “Fair water for those who work it,” without interrupting traffic. During the protest, producers handed out pitahaya and coconuts to motorists, seeking to highlight the importance of agriculture in the local economy and the dependence of their crops and livestock on well water.

The protesters noted that the rural region of Bacalar is highly productive in coconut, pitahaya, corn, and other fruit crops, so any restriction on water access could economically affect hundreds of families. Additionally, they requested that federal and state authorities establish direct dialogue with producers to review the content of the reform and consider the particularities of the southern zone of Quintana Roo.

Given the lack of response so far, the farmers warned that they will continue with information and awareness actions in other rural communities and highway points, aiming to raise awareness about the impact the reform could have on the region’s agricultural sector.