Serra Gaúcha begins harvesting garlic crops

The garlic harvest has already started in the Serra region. In the current harvest, 1.200 hectares were planted on 480 rural properties, which represents an increase of around 10% compared to 2019, stimulated by the above-average price achieved by the product in the last harvest. Emater/RS-Ascar estimates that 13.200 tons of the bulb will be harvested in 2020, generating gross revenue of approximately R$132 million for farmers.

In the Serra region, the variety cultivated is São Valentin, a late, purple, noble garlic with a spicy flavor, characteristics accentuated by the region's climate and soil, with a considerable accumulation of cold hours. The harvest should last until mid-December, presenting a good yield and with well-formed and firm bulbs. All harvested garlic is stored in specific, widely ventilated warehouses to allow the bulbs to cure.

According to Emater/RS-Ascar rural extension agent, Enio Todeschini, the last week, with dry weather, cold nights and plenty of sunshine, favored the development and maintenance of crop health. “The continued water deficit has been suppressed by irrigation, an essential factor for plants to express their full productive potential. With some rare exceptions, all crops are already planned and implemented with the availability of irrigation systems, notably sprinkler systems, which gives producers security”, he emphasizes.