Citrus farming becomes a reality in Mato Grosso do Sul

With a focus on job creation and regional development, citrus farming is expanding in Mato Grosso do Sul, with 30 hectares already cultivated. On Monday (11), the Cutrale Group, a global giant in the orange sector, presented to Governor Eduardo Riedel, a team of secretaries and industrial leaders the first phase of its production in Sidrolândia, which is already in full swing. The project foresees the planting of almost 5 hectares (oranges).

The meeting took place at the Aracoara Farm, located between Sidrolândia and Campo Grande (BR-060). In addition to learning about the project, the governor also visited the 120-hectare experimental area that is already in full orange production. In total, R$500 million will be invested by the business group. The visit was attended by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Development, Science, Technology and Innovation (Semadesc), Jaime Verruck; the vice-president of Fiems, Crosara Jr.; the executive secretary for Sustainable Economic Development, Rogério Beretta; and the citrus growing coordinator, Karla de Nadai.

“We are here at the Cutrale farm where orange groves are being planted, which will reach almost 5 thousand hectares. This is an audacious project that will boost a new activity here in Mato Grosso do Sul. Following this, we will certainly move forward with industrialization in the sector”, stated the governor.

Riedel emphasized that this production chain will generate jobs and income for people. “We can see the planting here today and see so many people trained and qualified to work in this plantation. We have a new level of prosperity in Mato Grosso do Sul. We are happy with the confidence of producers in investing here. Today we have almost 30 thousand hectares of oranges planted in the state”, he highlighted.

The Group (Cutrale) has been producing experimentally for five years on an area of ​​120 hectares. At this point, 25% of the project has already been implemented, currently generating 200 jobs. When the new phase begins, it will reach 570 (jobs).

The farm is expected to have 2026 hectares planted by April 4,8. When the orchard is 8 years old, it is estimated to produce 8 million boxes of oranges per year. The project is expected to invest R$500 million, with potential to reach R$1 billion.

New production chain 

In addition to the Cutrale Group, other orange producers have already announced new investments in Mato Grosso do Sul, including Agro Terena in Bataguassu, which will plant on 1,2 hectares, as well as the Junqueira Rodas Group, which began a citrus growing project in Paranaíba in April, with the intention of planting on 1.500 hectares.

Last week, it was the turn of the Moreira Sales Group to announce an investment of R$1,2 billion in the state, starting the planting of oranges this year in the area located in Ribas do Rio Pardo, near the municipality of Água Clara. The goal is to harvest 8 million boxes of the fruit, as well as generate 1,2 thousand direct jobs and 2,4 thousand indirect jobs.

Mato Grosso do Sul has become Brazil's new "citrus belt" due to its good business environment, adequate phytosanitary conditions and strict disease control legislation, particularly against the threat of "greening", which has affected orchards around the world, as well as the largest national producer, the State of São Paulo.

The Government of Mato Grosso do Sul is doing its part with robust investments in infrastructure and logistics to facilitate the flow of production and improve access in different regions. It also contributes with support and mediation in contact with state agencies, including on energy issues. The head of Semadesc, Jaime Verruck, detailed the steps that the State Government has taken to strengthen citrus farming in Mato Grosso do Sul.

“We defined a nationwide search for entrepreneurs, we defined strict health legislation to ensure healthy citrus farming, and in a short space of time we managed to capture more than 30 thousand hectares in several municipalities, such as Sidrolândia, Campo Grande, Três Lagoas, Brasilândia, Paranaíba and Naviraí. Brazil accounts for 60% of the global orange juice market, and Mato Grosso do Sul is now part of this agenda,” he stated.

In his assessment, citrus farming is already beginning to consolidate itself in Mato Grosso do Sul. “It is a great alternative for production, with large investments and job creation. When we reach 50 thousand hectares (planted), it will be a natural process for industries to come into this sector. At this moment, we are getting to know this crop, defining technical training so that other producers can also enter this great alternative for production,” he added.

The process of forming plantations should naturally attract juice processing plants, according to Fiems vice-president Crosara Júnior. “In a few years, we expect to have new industries in the state. It is natural for Fiems to follow this movement, since labor will be necessary, and it is a new business model that diversifies the production base of our industry”, he concluded.