Minas Gerais sorghum production should reach 1,2 million tons

Minas Gerais sorghum production is expected to reach 1,2 million tons in the 2022-2023 harvest, with growth of almost 84% compared to the previous harvest. The result is motivated by the increase in planted area and productivity, favorable climate and greater use of inputs in crops.

Sorghum is a grain that can replace corn in the composition of the feed, without compromising the animal's performance. In the analysis of the superintendent of Innovation and Agricultural Economy of the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (Seapa), Feliciano Nogueira de Oliveira, the increase in the cultivated area is, in part, due to the migration of areas that were previously cultivated with second-crop corn. “Sorghum has been a good option for producers, especially when the second harvest corn planting window is reduced. It is resistant to water scarcity and has a lower production cost,” he explains.

Benefits

In addition to being more tolerant to drought, sorghum cultivation provides better use of the soil, the formation of straw for direct planting of the next summer crop, a greater quantity of grains for animal feed and more income through the commercialization of the crop planted in off season.

Minas Gerais occupies second place in the national ranking of sorghum cultivation. The planted area in the 2022-203 harvest is expected to reach 337,6 thousand hectares, with growth of approximately 46%. Productivity is expected to reach 3.658 kilos per hectare, registering a 26% increase compared to the previous harvest.

The Triângulo Mineiro and Alto Paranaíba region account for around 78% of state production. The five main producing municipalities, in 2022, were Uberaba, Guarda-Mor, Unaí, Patrocínio and Capinópolis. In 2022, the sorghum VBP was R$667,9 million, showing growth of 0,8% compared to the previous year.

Rural credit

In the 2022-2023 harvest, R$193,2 million was allocated, an increase of almost 57% compared to the previous harvest, to finance sorghum crops. Of the total amount, around R$883 was allocated to the National Program for Strengthening Family Agriculture (Pronaf). In 2022, the Gross Production Value of sorghum crops was R$667,9 million, showing growth of 0,8% compared to the previous year.

Export

Last year, Minas exported 72 tons of sorghum, reaching a value of around US$605,4 thousand, a significant growth of 605% in value and 625% in volume, compared to 2021. The destinations were: Venezuela, Bolivia , Paraguay, Angola, Burkina Faso, Argentina and the United States.

From January to August this year, Minas Gerais exported 125 tons of sorghum for sowing, reaching US$556,7. The numbers represent growth of 236% in value and 183% in volume, compared to the same period in 2022. The destinations were Paraguay, Bolivia and the United States.