PR 2024/25 Harvest: extreme weather causes losses in the field

The last week of June was marked by intense weather events in Paraná, with heavy rains and frosts that affected the state's main agricultural crops in different ways. The scenario, described in the Weather and Cultivation Conditions Bulletin of the Department of Rural Economy (Deral) this Tuesday (1st), indicates benefits for winter crops and losses in sensitive crops, especially vegetables.

In the second corn crop, frosts are already causing losses, especially in crops sown outside the ideal window. Younger plants, with grains still forming, were the most affected, especially in lowland areas. Part of these areas will have to be redirected to silage production.

The coffee harvest has progressed slowly, affected by both rain and frost. In the Northern Pioneer Region, slight damage to leaves and frosts of the “capote” type were recorded, which affected the upper parts of the plants, which could compromise the productivity of the next harvest. Humidity also reduced the quality of the beans by delaying the ideal harvest time.

Winter crops

Wheat crops are at different stages of development. Those that have already passed the rubbery stage are at greater risk of damage. On the other hand, in areas where wheat is still in its early stages, the cold weather has favored tillering and helped control pests.

The oat crop also showed varied behavior: where the crop was more advanced, in the flowering or reproduction phase, frosts caused losses. In less developed areas, however, recent rains were beneficial, although there were reports of erosion. Even so, significant losses are expected, even with part of the production being used for soil cover.

Barley planting, in turn, was favored by the rains. The crops are in the initial phase of development, with the possibility of recovery, if they have been hit by frost.

Vegetables were the most affected

Vegetables and leafy greens were the crops most affected by frost in practically all regions of Paraná. Even with preventive measures adopted by horticulturists, such as staggering, reducing the planting of more sensitive species and using TNT type coverings, the damage was widespread, especially in open-air crops.

Lettuce, broccoli and other leafy vegetables suffered partial or total losses. In colder regions, even greenhouses and hydroponic production were affected, including tomato cultivation. This has already had an impact on the supply, quality and prices of products at fairs and markets.

Fruits, tobacco and other crops were also impacted

Bananas were one of the most affected tropical fruits, with significant losses in the southwest of the state, even in areas close to rivers - which are generally less affected. However, on the coast, the main producing region of the fruit, there were no frosts. There are also reports of damage to papaya trees in the southwest and to guava production in Jacarezinho, which is still under evaluation.

Tobacco production (2nd harvest), present in some regions as a consolidated practice, recorded total losses in several crops affected by frost. Despite the local severity, the state representation of these areas is low.

In Curitiba, chamomile production suffered losses in areas that were ready for harvest, despite producers constantly monitoring weather forecasts. Specific damage to sugarcane fields was also reported, although the full impact has not yet been determined.

The cassava harvest is underway, with an expected increase in the planted area due to the migration of soybean producers. In the case of onions, low temperatures and rain have delayed the transplantation of seedlings to permanent crops, and producers are waiting for the weather to improve.

The second bean harvest has progressed, but productivity was below expectations, due to the drought at the beginning of the cycle and the loss of quality caused by recent humidity.

Pastures were affected in all regions of the state, including the hottest ones, with significant loss of green mass. Earlier winter pastures were also affected. The impact should be reflected in animal feed in the coming weeks.