Paraná records challenges in cassava, sugarcane and wheat harvests

Between October 8 and 14, Paraná faced a challenging period with cassava and sugarcane harvests momentarily halted, awaiting favorable soil conditions for the resumption of activities. The wheat harvest, in turn, is nearing completion in the North, West, Northwest and Central-West regions. This is what the Weather and Cultivation Conditions bulletin of the Department of Rural Economy (Deral) indicates, released today (15). 

Humidity persists in areas where grains are being harvested wheat, which have already faced problems due to drought, high temperatures and frost. Although productivity has been low in some areas, there is an expectation of improvement in the next cycles. 

The harvest of barley has advanced in the rainless windows, with most crops showing good potential and adequate care. However, excessive heat may have shortened the plant cycle, resulting in lighter grains and impacting productivity. On the other hand, the onion and cabbage are healthy, especially in irrigated areas, and recent rains have benefited the transplanted tobacco seedlings.

With regard to the rice, planting is proceeding according to schedule, despite the difficulties faced due to the lack of rain. The planting of corn 1nd harvest advances, with plants in good development conditions, although some areas present uneven germination. The incidence of pests, such as leafhoppers and thrips, is considered low, but some regions are facing an increase in the presence of caterpillars.

The planting of first crop potato also progresses according to expectations, with a significant increase in the cultivated area. Producers are optimistic about the development and health of the crop, predicting good harvests. With the return of humidity, apprehension among soybean farmers diminishes, and many producers took advantage of the rains to plant soybean, which is expected to increase even further in the coming weeks. Some crops were sown early in the South region, with the intention of succeeding cultivation with beans 1st harvest.

Production tomato The first harvest is progressing, with most plants in the vegetative development and fruiting phase. However, in the main producing region of café of the state, the dry climate has made it difficult to apply adequate fertilization and form flowers for the next harvest, but it is expected that the regularization of cultural treatments will occur with the return of humidity.

In fruit growing, many orchards of Apple, especially the Gala and Fuji varieties, did not reach the 600 hours of chilling required to ensure good productivity. However, the Kiwi is in good condition and has promising potential. The production of banana was resumed in the South, presenting showy bunches and an increase in production in recent years, especially on the banks of the Iguaçu River, with varieties such as prata, nanica, caturra, maçã and banana ouro.

Banana plantations have also been used to mitigate pesticide contamination in fruit and vegetable production, driven by government food purchasing programs. In subsistence fruit production, Pitanga, jabuticaba e amora are being harvested, presenting good quality and flavor. The culture of guava is in the flowering phase, while the orchards of acerola have already shown their first flowering.

Given this scenario, Paraná is preparing to face climate challenges, with the expectation that the coming weeks will bring better conditions for cultivation and harvesting, allowing producers to achieve their productivity and quality goals.