Minas Gerais expands cotton area by 34%, but drought threatens productivity

Minas Gerais increased the planted area by 34% cotton in the 2024/25 harvest. The state, the third largest producer of the fiber in the country, is now facing the effects of the drought, which could compromise the productivity of dryland crops.

The estimate is from the Brazilian Cotton Producers Association (Abrapa). According to the March report, Brazil should cultivate 2,14 million hectares and harvest 3,95 million tons, an increase of 6,8% compared to the last harvest. The expansion of the area in states such as Minas Gerais is driving growth.

In the state, production is expected to increase by around 25%, according to Licio Pena de Sairre, executive director of the Minas Gerais Cotton Producers Association (AMIPA). “Productivity is expected to fall due to the drought, but total production will increase, driven by the larger area,” he says.

Abrapa had warned about the risk of climate losses. The warning allowed producers to take measures in advance. The main one was to expand planting to try to compensate for the lower yield per hectare.

With the unstable climate, producers are investing in technology and efficient management to maintain competitiveness. The inclusion of cotton in production systems raises the technological level in the field. Transgenic seeds, which are tolerant to nematodes and more resistant to drought, are gaining ground.