Fires devastate more than 181 thousand hectares of sugarcane fields and regrowth areas in the State of São Paulo

Orplana (Organization of Associations of Sugarcane Producers of Brazil) released today (13/9) a new report on the impacts of fires in sugarcane areas in São Paulo. Between August 23 and September 10, more than 3 fires consumed more than 181 hectares of sugarcane fields and regrowth areas, generating losses estimated at R$1,2 billion.

According to the organization, the fires affected standing sugarcane, ratoons and the quality of the raw material, in addition to increasing management and replanting costs. The report does not include permanent preservation areas, legal reserves and other affected lands.

José Guilherme Nogueira, CEO of Orplana, explained that the organization uses satellite data to monitor and assess damage. "Using spectrophotometry, it is possible to see the difference between areas where there was sugarcane and those where there was not, and also what happened to the sugarcane, whether it was burned, whether its color changed or whether it remained unchanged, in addition to field verification," explains Nogueira.

He also highlighted the financial challenges faced by producers. The cost of renewing sugarcane fields is estimated at R$13,5 per hectare. Even for areas that do not require replanting, management and nutrition costs will be significant, especially due to the accumulation of ash and the loss of the straw mattress that helped retain water and protect the soil.

Orplana, which represents 35 associations and more than 12 producers, warns that the recovery of sugarcane fields will depend on future climate conditions. "The planting rate, the area to be made available for harvesting next year and the dry weather scenario may indeed impact the future harvest, but it is still too early to make any predictions, as it will depend on how the rains and climate will be in the coming months," it concludes.