Climate change bites in Mexico's cradle of corn

For thousands of years, corn has been a symbol of Mexican pride, a staple of local cuisine and the backbone of civilizations that gave rise to modern Mexico.

But its future here is now in doubt.

SOUNDBITE (SPANISH) FARMER PORFIRIO GARCIA, SAYING:

"Without corn, what do we do? For us, corn is fundamental."

Many farmers in Tehuacan - in the central Mexican state of Puebla, and the place where corn was first cultivated - are abandoning the crop, turning to alternatives that require less water.

That's because in the past few years, there have been more frequent and longer droughts.

Leading to fields of dry and underwatered corn.

Brought on, according to Tehuacan farmers and officials, by a fast-changing climate.

And agricultural experts agree.

They predict that Mexico will feel the effects of climate change more than many countries, due in part to where its located - between two oceans.

Puebla state, where Tehuacan is located, recorded the warmest year on record.

Crippling farmers like Porfirio Garcia.

SOUNDBITE (SPANISH) FARMER PORFIRIO GARCIA, SAYING:

"The rain that was supposed to fall in June, July, August or September didn't come and that's what we are seeing now, the maize shrank because there was no rain."

The father of 12 says that in some years one hectare yielded four tonnes of maize.

In recent years, he says he's lucky if he even yields 700 kilos per hectare.

The phenomenon has prompted Garcia to diversify into other crops - like pistachio.

Something other farmers nearby have also resorted to as well.

Natalio De Santiago is instead planting maguey, a raw ingredient used for mezcal.

SOUNDBITE (SPANISH) FARMER NATALIO DE SANTIAGO, SAYING:

"Now I plant maguey because it needs less water and it's less work."

Overall, corn cultivation in Tehuacan has plummeted 18 percent.

And some in the area are giving up on agriculture altogether, selling their land to real estate developers and leaving corn behind.