Department of Agriculture counts losses due to excessive rainfall

The State Secretariat for Agriculture and Fisheries and the Center for Socioeconomics and Agricultural Planning (Cepa/Epagri) have already calculated the losses, mainly in the small harvests of beans and corn, which are in the final harvest phase. The preliminary report was released this Wednesday (7) and will continue with constant updates.

The greatest impact of excess rain on the agricultural sector will be felt by bean and corn producers. Although a large part of the 2nd harvest has already been harvested, losses in the remaining areas can reach 100%. The most affected regions were the West and Far West, remembering that in the Rio do Sul region it has not yet been possible to carry out a survey of agricultural losses.

The preliminary report on possible losses in the agricultural sector in Santa Catarina used data collected by Epagri's regional managers and Epagri/Cepa technicians in the most affected regions of the state.

West Santa Catarina

Between the microregions of Chapecó, Concórdia, Xanxerê and Chapecó, there are 71 municipalities with 11,8 thousand hectares planted with beans. And the production of the off-season was expected at 22,2 thousand tons.

According to information obtained from technicians and producers in the affected municipalities, six thousand hectares of beans remain to be harvested and losses are estimated at 50% of production, that is, five thousand tons that could be lost.

There are still no records of losses in milk production. Collections are being carried out, even with difficulty due to damaged roads.

Midwest

In the Joaçaba region, the biggest losses are in dairy farming. The reduction in production is already around 10%. Furthermore, Epagri technicians describe the delay in both the planting of garlic and the completion of the corn harvest.

South Santa Catarina

The damage is also felt in bean crops and, mainly, in vegetables. The Criciúma region already records losses of approximately 35% in vegetable plantations and the bean harvest could have 30% of its production compromised.

The expected bean harvest in the regions of Tubarão, Criciúma and Araranguá was six thousand tons, of which 1,5 thousand tons could be lost or if harvested the grain may not be of commercial quality.

In dairy farming, losses are around 20% due to winter pastures that are not fully developed.

North Plateau

In the Canoinhas region, the main problems are in dairy farming. Milk collection continues to be carried out via alternative access routes, due to closed roads, but pastures are being damaged by excessive rainfall.

In the municipality of Ireneópolis, where onion planting is carried out under the direct planting system, some areas may be replanted due to floods.

Far West

In the region of São Miguel do Oeste there is a decrease in the volume of milk produced and losses in the production of silage and annual pastures.

Much of the bean production has already been harvested, but around 1,8 tons could be lost.

Rain in Santa Catarina

According to the State Secretariat for Civil Defense, the number of people affected by excessive rain in Santa Catarina reaches 28.818 in 90 municipalities. According to the Epagri/Ciram weather forecast, the bad weather will continue until Thursday (8).

State Civil Defense teams, with municipal units and other bodies such as fire brigades, are constantly working to respond to emergency situations. To contact the municipal Civil Defense unit, simply call 199.