At the National Wheat Forum, Paraná defends the use of science and innovation in agribusiness

Science and innovation can increase the presence of Brazilian agriculture in the world market. The statement was made by the state secretary of Agriculture and Supply, Norberto Ortigara, at the opening of the National Wheat Forum and 16th Meeting of the Brazilian Wheat and Triticale Research Commission (16th RCBPTT), on Tuesday night (25), in the district of Entre Rios, in Guarapuava.

The meeting at the Cooperativa Agraria Events Center discussed topics such as the quality of Brazilian wheat compared to that of neighboring countries and the contribution of triticulture to the Brazilian agricultural scenario.

Ortigara argued that Brazil has significantly evolved in its capacity to produce food and fiber, and that a large part of this result is explained by applied knowledge. “We are a country with a strong presence in around 40 chains around the world. We have the concrete possibility of continuing to develop, of making Brazil's main business a giant in world trade, with agricultural policies and a firm grip on science and innovation," he said.

According to the National Supply Company (Conab), the 2022/2023 cycle should total 317,6 million tons of grains in Brazil, the largest volume ever produced. Ortigara highlighted that, in 10 harvests, production could reach 390 million tons. “We are gaining in productivity and there is room for wheat growth,” he said.

The record production of wheat in the country, of 10,6 million tons, contributed to the reduction in imports of the cereal. In the first half of 2023, Brazil imported 2,1 million tons, 35% less than the 3,2 million tons imported in the first half of 2022, according to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock analyzed in the Agricultural Bulletin of the Department of Rural Economy (Deral).

Brazil exported 2,1 million tons of wheat in the first half of the year, the third largest volume ever sold in that period. “What has been done in recent years indicates that, in addition to achieving the long-awaited self-sufficiency, we can also be players in the world market”, added the secretary.

Together, Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul produce 90% of Brazilian wheat. In the 2022/2023 cycle, Paraná may have record production. According to Deral, the wheat harvest in the State is estimated at 4,6 million tons, 30% more than the last harvest.

LAUNCH - At the same event, Biotrigo Weiss was launched, the first wheat variety developed in Brazil for the manufacture of malt, a partnership between the Agricultural Research Foundation and Biotrigo Genética. The cultivar meets requirements of the brewing industry, such as high productivity, low susceptibility to lodging and diseases, low protein and good germination potential.

Cereal production on a sufficient scale to meet industry demand should be completed in 2025. Currently, to produce wheat malt in Brazil it is necessary to import raw materials, especially from Argentina.

EVENT – The 16th RCBPTT program presents recent research work developed by public and private institutions to improve wheat and triticale production systems in the country. “We praise the research efforts of Embrapa, IDR-Paraná, and also the science carried out by private companies in the development of products and conditions of all types for Brazil's main business”, said Ortigara.

ATTENDANCE – Also participating in the 2023 National Wheat Forum and the 16th Meeting of the Brazilian Wheat and Triticale Research Commission were the institutional director of the Institute of Rural Development of Paraná Iapar-Emater (IDR-Paraná), Diniz Dias de Oliveira, the regional manager of IDR -Paraná in Guarapuava, Bruno Krevoruczka, the head of the Seab nucleus in Guarapuava, Arthur Bittencourt, as well as technicians from the State Agriculture System.