Heavy rains bring relief to parts of Argentina's farmland

BUENOS AIRES, Dec 13 (Reuters) - Heavy rains have brought relief to the northern part of Argentina's main agricultural area, benefiting the 2023/24 corn and soybean campaigns, but more water is needed in the south, the Rosario Grains Exchange (BCR) said on Wednesday.

Argentina, one of the world's leading food exporters, has received increased rainfall in recent weeks and days due to the arrival of the El Nino weather phenomenon.

Between 45 and 90 millimeters (1.8-3.5 inches) of rain fell in the center and north of the country's core agricultural area in the last 24 hours, with peaks of 120 millimeters in some areas, according to a report from the exchange.

However, the south of the Santa Fe province and the north of the Buenos Aires province, which are located in the southern part of the core agricultural area, only received between 5 and 15 millimeters of water. BCR chief Cristian Russo said some areas urgently need more water to improve soil moisture.

Argentine farmers are planting soybeans and corn for the 2023/24 agricultural season. Harvests are set to begin between April and May.

Estimates show the 2023/24 soybeans harvest standing at 50 million metric tons and corn output is forecast to reach 56 million tons, according to the BCR, which will publish data for the season later on Wednesday. (Reporting by Maximilian Heath; editing by Barbara Lewis)