Harsh climatic conditions can affect 2018 harvest
November 09, 2017 09h00 AM | Last Updated: November 09, 2017 05h10 PM
Grain harvest in Brazil is expected to amount to 220.2 million metric tons, 8.9% below the 2017 estimate (241.6 million metric tons). All that is presented in the first harvest estimate for 2018, released today by the IBGE.
According to the survey, decrease may be observed, mainly, in corn (14.3 million metric tons) and soybeans (7.2 million metric tons) due to climatic conditions not as favorable as those of the 2017 harvest, when there was a longer rainy season in the main producing areas.
The IBGE researcher, Carlos Antônio Barradas, says that the preparation of the soil for sowing of what is going to be harvested in the following year starts in September, hen the winter ends and the rainy season begins. But as winter this year was very dry and rainfall tool longer to get to the main producing areas, this procedure has been delayed.
“1st-crop soybean and corn are being sown now and will only be harvested in the beginning of next year. After harvest comes the period for planting 2nd crop corn. The delay in the summer harvest has resulted in a tighter schedule for the 2nd harvest, and that can lead to a smaller output."
In order to reduce climate-related problems, many producers have taken advantage from the increased intensity of rainfall in the second half of October and have sown 2nd-crop products in the evening or overnight.
Text: Mônica Marli
Image: Jonas Oliveira/Agência Brasil
Graph: Valberto Alves
