Minas Gerais announces investment of R$2 million to purchase seeds

The Government of the State of Minas Gerais authorized the State Technical Assistance and Extension Company (Emater-MG) to use R$2 million to purchase bean seeds, which will be distributed to family farmers in regions affected by the drought. As it is a short-cycle crop, it allows producers to return to activity, generating faster income for families. The announcement was made in Montes Claros by the president of Emater-MG, Otávio Maia​.

Emater-MG, linked to the Department of Agriculture (Seapa), has helped family farmers who acquired insurance funding credit (Proagro, for example) to contact the financial institution and make a Loss Report (COP). The financial agent will be responsible for appointing an expert to carry out verification of losses in the field. 

The company also prepares the Debt Extension Technical Report for farmers who have a credit operation without taking out insurance or those who have an investment operation contracted. With the document, the producer can go to the financial institution to renegotiate payment. Extension is possible in cases such as crop failure due to adverse factors and difficulties in marketing products. 

Furthermore, Emater-MG provides guidance on techniques to reduce the effects of drought. Among the actions are: water conservation in the soil, such as direct planting, vegetation management, agroforestry systems, pasture management, level planting and terracing, conservation of rural roads and carriageways, construction of dam and drainage structures and the implementation of rainwater catchment basins.  

Interlocution in Brasilia  

In a public hearing held at the Chamber of Deputies, in Brasília, last Tuesday (19/12), to debate the consequences of the drought, Seapa presented a request requesting support from the Union to minimize the impacts of climate adversity in Minas. Among the suggested measures is the distribution of corn, soybean, bean and sorghum seeds, destined for producers in municipalities in emergency situations. 

The granting of emergency rural credit was also requested to maintain or recover the productive capacity of family farmers, small and medium-sized producers in the affected regions. 

The request also includes the immediate release of payments to family farmers enrolled in the Harvest Guarantee Program for the 2022/2023 harvest, covering 109 municipalities and 35,7 thousand farmers. The single installment of R$1,2 for each beneficiary is expected to be paid by February. 

Another request refers to strengthening and reducing bureaucracy in the Over-the-Counter Sale Program, coordinated by Conab, to serve small animal breeders in accordance with the National Family Farming Policy. The objective is to facilitate the sale of corn at a minimum price for rural producers interested in using it for animal feed. 

Additionally, support from the Brazilian Army is requested through water trucks and resources for the immediate supply of water in communities where there is a shortage. 

Claim for tax reduction  

In view of the losses, Seapa requested the Treasury Secretariat to reissue Resolution No. 3.202, of November 22, 2001, which regulated the way in which cattle shipments were controlled for "pasture use" in the states of Bahia and Espírito Santo , as well as its return to Minas Gerais territory, with the suspension of the ICMS incidence. 

If the reissue of the resolution is approved, producers will be able to send cattle for food in neighboring states (Espírito Santo and Bahia) and return them to Minas without tax being imposed on movement beyond the limits of Minas. 

Furthermore, it requested the reissue of Decree No. 46.176, dated March 8, 2013, which granted a reduction in the calculation basis for livestock operations (sales) in establishments located in the municipalities within Idene's coverage area.  

The Department of Agriculture is also in contact with financial agents with a view to extending rural credit operations in regions affected by the drought. 

Drought losses 

The drought that affects the North, Northwest and Northeast regions of Minas Gerais has already affected 326 thousand rural producers, according to a survey by Emater-MG. The water supply is compromised in 78,4% of rural properties, harming the consumption of people and livestock. 

The lost grain area totals 92 thousand hectares, mainly corn, beans and soybeans. The estimate is that 91,3% of irrigated crops are no longer irrigated and that 71% of what has already been sown in these areas will need to be replanted, if there is sufficient rain in the coming weeks. 

In livestock farming, the Emater-MG survey shows that, in 56,4% of properties, the stock of roughage to feed livestock (sugarcane, silage and grass) is exhausted and 27,8% have enough quantity for 15 days. Only 15,8% of the properties surveyed have enough food for livestock for 30 days.