Bayer supports the resumption of cotton cultivation in northern Minas Gerais

Small farmers play a key role in food and fiber production, but they face challenges such as limited access to innovation, quality inputs and technical assistance. To support this segment, Bayer has stepped up its operations in Catuti, in northern Minas Gerais, a historically cotton-producing region that has been severely impacted by pests such as the boll weevil. (Anthonomus grandis).

The action is part of the company's global goal of benefiting 100 million small producers in emerging countries by 2030. In partnership with the Cooperativa dos Produtores Rurais de Catuti (Coopercat), Bayer promoted the transfer of technology and technical expertise to 76 family farmers, ensuring access to certified seeds, digital tools and modern agricultural practices.

Fernando Prudente (pictured), cotton executive director for the company’s agricultural division in Brazil, says the company is continually expanding its initiatives to achieve its sustainability goals and meet the needs of smallholder farmers. “By investing in family farmers, we drive sustainable development in the countryside and strengthen family farming, which is essential for the resilience of agricultural systems,” he says.

The company has been operating in the region for about 20 years, with actions focused on the safe use of pesticides, training on biotechnology, seed donations and, more recently, the delivery of an agricultural drone for precision applications. In the current harvest, 150 bags of Deltapine seeds with Bollgard 3 RRFlex biotechnology were donated to 40 producers, covering an area of ​​250 hectares. In the previous harvest, another 100 bags benefited 36 farmers.

Technology and expertise transfer 

The donated varieties, adapted to the semi-arid climate of the Caatinga, have a medium-early cycle, resistance to caterpillars and diseases, and tolerance to glyphosate. According to Coopercat agricultural technician José Tibúrcio de Carvalho Filho, farmers who tested the technology in the 2023/24 harvest harvested up to 400 arrobas per hectare, compared to a regional average of 250 arrobas.

Drone technology has enabled a 96% reduction in spraying liquid, maintaining effective control of the boll weevil and reducing the risk of contamination. The initiative has also trained farmers in the use of the tool, enabling more sustainable and productive practices.

Coopercat brings together 972 associated producers, with activities focused on dairy and beef cattle farming, in addition to the cultivation of sorghum and cotton. The cotton produced is used both inside and outside the farm: the seed is used in animal feed and the fiber supplies the textile and pharmaceutical industries in Minas Gerais cities such as Pirapora, Curvelo and Guaranésia.

With support from Bayer, Amipa, the Federal University of Lavras, the City of Catuti and other institutions, the project aims to expand the cultivated area, improve machinery and consolidate northern Minas Gerais in the national cotton growing scenario. In 2024, Brazil became the world's largest exporter of cotton lint, and Minas Gerais occupies the third position in the national ranking, with 76,8 thousand tons estimated for the 2024/25 harvest.