Bahia harvests 843 tons of cotton in 2024/25.

Bahia ends the 2024/25 harvest with 843 tons of cotton lint. This volume results from 413 hectares harvested. The average productivity reaches 2041 kilograms per hectare. This figure surpasses the national average, calculated at 1958 kilograms.

The Bahia Cotton Producers Association (Abrapa) projects a 2,5% decrease in planted area for 2025/2026, to 402,8 hectares. Production is expected to follow this adjustment and currently totals 822 tons. The indicated productivity remains at 2041 kilograms. The association is evaluating this number cautiously. The planting delay caused by the late rains requires monitoring.

Irrigation sustained performance in a cycle marked by irregular weather. The West concentrates the advance. Pivots cover a third of the crops. The irrigated area should grow from 140 hectares to about 150 hectares in 2025/2026. The recently harvested cycle recorded 272,5 hectares of rainfed land (66%) and 140,6 hectares irrigated (34%).

The president of Abapa, Alessandra Zanotto Costa, emphasizes that irrigation ensured apple formation in March, a critical period. Irrigation is only carried out when necessary, in compliance with legal regulations. This practice enables two harvests and expands diversification.

In the phytosanitary area, Abapa classifies the harvest as good. Manager Giorge Gomes cites record performance in the West and Southwest. The planted area grew by more than 20% compared to 2023/2024. Pressures persisted from White fly.

The drought has affected rainfed crops in some regions. The Phytosanitary Program has kept more than two thousand kilometers of highways free of volunteer cotton plants. Educational blitzes with Adab reinforce the correct packaging of cotton.

Levels of weevil During the off-season, yields remain below those of the previous cycle. The organization will implement a program to evaluate aerial applications. Projects with Aiba, Embrapa, and Fundação Bahia monitor ramularia. Asian rust and carbon in the soil.