Coffee and rice consortium is tested in the south of Minas

Minas Gerais was once an important rice producer in the country, but in recent decades the crop has lost space to other crops. Due to joint action by Emater-MG, Epamig, Ufla and Embrapa Arroz e Feijão, cereal cultivation may once again gain strength in the south of Minas. In the Guaxupé region, demonstration units of upland rice were implemented in 2023 in consortium with coffee and the novelty has pleased producers.

The initiative is part of the Minas Gerais Highland Rice Genetic Improvement Program, financed by the Minas Gerais State Research Support Foundation (Fapemig), which intends to test 18 rice cultivars in cities in the south of Minas Gerais, Vale do Jequitinhonha and Campo das Vertentes. At the Emater-MG Regional Unit (Uregi) in Guaxupé, rice demonstration units were implemented in Guaranésia, Monte Santo de Minas, Arceburgo, São Sebastião do Paraíso, São Tomás de Aquino, Jacuí, Bom Jesus da Penha and Guaxupé. In Uregi de Alfenas, demonstration units were created in Lambari, Fama and Alfenas.

“Many producers were interested in using a cover crop in the middle of the coffee plantation to improve the soil. During Expocafé (2023), I spoke about this demand with Epamig researcher, Janine Guedes, and we saw the opportunity to test rice in the region. Unlike corn and soybeans, the cereal has gained a lot of value on the market and, when planted between the coffee plantations, it generates additional income for the coffee grower”, highlights the Emater-MG extensionist, Geraldo José Rodrigues, who works in the Certifica program Minas Café.

Advantages of the consortium

Emater-MG technicians selected the producers to install the demonstration units, who received the seeds and other inputs at no cost. “There is a lot of interest in the program. Rice is a great alternative, especially for family farmers. If the cereal is planted between the rows of new coffee, it serves as protection against pests and diseases. When the coffee is larger, it serves as straw and brings a high level of nitrogen, which is positive for production systems”, explains Janine.

The planting of the demonstration units was carried out in October and the harvest should take place in March. The work is supported by the “Better Rice” Program at the Federal University of Lavras (UFLA). Researchers and students are monitoring the productivity, adaptability, development and profitability of materials. In the units, height, flowering, lodging and possible diseases will also be evaluated. When collection occurs, some samples will be taken for evaluation at UFLA. “Then we will know which materials adapted best to the climate and soil conditions, and also which ones had the best response to the technologies available on each property”, says the Epamig researcher.

Income for the coffee farmer

Coffee farmer João Eduardo de Paula Vieira, from São Sebastião do Paraíso, planted 300 meters of rice row and says that the crop grew well. “I planted rice first and then coffee. I'm excited because everything is beautiful. The rice is large and should be ready for harvest next month. It will be for family consumption, but it could be sold, generating income until the coffee is produced. So it helps the producer”, comments João Eduardo.

The Emater-MG extensionist says that the production can also be purchased by city halls to supply the National School Food Program (PNAE) and the Food Acquisition Program (PAA). And depending on the development of the project in the region, the Epamig researcher says that, in the future, special rice varieties (black, red and aromatic) may be planted, which have a higher market value.

Growing market

Upland rice cultivation has grown considerably in the last two years, due to rising prices for the product in the markets. Currently, a bag of grain (50 kg) is worth around R$180, whereas in 2023 the price was R$90. “Minas Gerais was once the 3rd largest rice producing state in Brazil and, today, occupies the 18th position. We lost many rice areas in the state, which were replaced by soybeans”, explains Janine.

Another point in favor of rescuing rice cultivation in the state is the change in legislation, which has become stricter, favoring rainfed rice, to the detriment of flooded rice areas, which emit many greenhouse gases and can pollute rivers. . Currently, 80% of Brazilian rice comes from the south of the country, where cultivation is 100% irrigated. In Minas Gerais, an average of 10,3 thousand tons of rice is produced in an area of ​​3,2 thousand hectares.