Montevideo, Feb 6 (TIWN) Drought in Uruguay has had a "direct impact" on farming production, causing about $1.17 billion in losses or 1.9 per cent of the country's GDP, the Agriculture Ministry said.

A breakdown showed agriculture suffered losses of 490 million dollars, livestock with losses of 440 million dollars and dairy with 100 million dollars in losses.

The figure was a preliminary estimate up for review, agriculture minister Fernando Mattos said, adding that the government has taken steps to alleviate the situation.

He called for more structural measures regarding water use for production and consumption.

In October 2022, the ministry declared an agricultural emergency due to a nationwide shortage of rain for the first time in years.