PR 2024/25 Harvest: weather may impact final soybean production

The soybean harvest in Paraná has already reached 40% of the total planted area, estimated at 5,77 million hectares. However, weather conditions may still influence final production, which is currently projected at 21,3 million tons, slightly below the initial estimate. The data was presented by the state's Department of Rural Economy (Deral) in the Weekly Economic Bulletin of February 19, 2025. 

The sector remains attentive to fluctuations in the field, since the oilseed generates around R$40 billion in the state. On the national scene, Brazilian production exceeds 160 million tons, maintaining the country as a global leader in the production and export of the grain.

Bean

Despite being the largest producer of beans in Brazil since the 1990s, Paraná also stands out as the main importer of the grain. In 2024, state imports totaled 19 thousand tons, representing 86% of Brazilian purchases. The export scenario, however, has been changing. 

Last year, Paraná's foreign sales reached 71 thousand tons, a significant increase compared to the 10 thousand tons exported in 2023. The increase was driven mainly by the growth in exports to Venezuela (25 thousand tons) and Mexico (21 thousand tons). Mato Grosso consolidated itself as the largest national exporter, sending 128 thousand tons abroad, with India standing out as the main destination.

Apple

Apple production continues to decline in the state. Between 2014 and 2023, the planted area fell by 43,7%, resulting in a 47,2% reduction in production and a 56,3% reduction in Gross Production Value (GVP). Last year, the state harvested 27,5 thousand tons, concentrated mainly in the Metropolitan Region of Curitiba (45,7%), in the Southwest (29,0%) and in Campos Gerais (19,0%). 

Despite the reduction in production, consumer prices continued to rise. In January of this year, a kilo of fruit was sold at R$13,62, an increase of 22,4% compared to the beginning of 2024.

Cucumber

Cucumber production in Paraná is present in 356 municipalities and generated R$ 149,1 million in 2023, with a harvested volume of 71,8 thousand tons. The main producing centers are the regional centers of Curitiba (29,6%), Jacarezinho (22,7%) and Cornélio Procópio (11,5%).

In January of this year, prices for the crop rose sharply, driven by intense heat waves that affected supply. At wholesale, a 20 kg box of the product has doubled in value since the beginning of 2025, rising from R$30,00 to R$60,00. At retail, a kilo of cucumber was sold at R$5,00 in January, an increase of 64,2% compared to December 2024.

The data show an agricultural panorama of fluctuations in Paraná, with direct impacts of climate conditions on production and the market, requiring attention from the agricultural sector in the coming months.