Diversification yields R$640 million for tobacco producers

The planting of grains and pasture after the tobacco harvest represented an increase of approximately R$640 million in the income of producers in southern Brazil. The action of cultivating a second annual crop is encouraged by the Corn, Beans and Pastures Program – led by the Interstate Tobacco Industry Union (SindiTabaco) with support from entities linked to agriculture and the governments of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina and Paraná – , as it provides diversification and better use of property resources.

According to data collected by the Program, 170.810 hectares were cultivated after the harvest of the 2018/2019 harvest with an estimated yield of R$400 million for producers in Rio Grande do Sul, R$130 million for those in Santa Catarina and R$110 million for those in Paraná. In the three states, 20.853 hectares of beans, 99.810 of corn, 31.443 of pastures and 18.704 of soybeans were cultivated.

In Rio Grande do Sul, there were 95.881 hectares, 4.795 of which were beans, 61.368 were corn, 17.496 were pastures and 12.221 were soybeans. In Santa Catarina, there were 42.168 hectares, with 4.521 hectares of beans, 24.986 of corn, 9.305 of pastures and 3.357 of soybeans. And in Paraná there were 32.761 hectares, 11.537 of which were beans, 13.456 were corn, 4.624 were pastures and 3.125 were soybeans.

In relation to the previous harvest, there was a reduction in the total cultivated area (from 187.080 to 170.810 hectares), but with an increase of R$90 million in the total amount of gross revenue (from R$550 million to R$640 million), representing growth of 16,4%.

After the harvest, the tobacco producer also cultivates other grains, with emphasis on soybeans, which will yield around R$75,3 million on the 18.704 hectares planted. There is also significant cultivation of pastures to feed animals. The survey showed that in the three southern Brazilian states, 31.443 hectares were used for pasture.

“The tobacco sector has always supported diversification, as long as it offers real income to producers. Recent research has shown that 79% of producers perform some type of crop rotation to reduce the proliferation of pests, diseases and weeds and that around 50% guarantee income with products other than tobacco, significantly increasing their income”, states the president of SindiTabaco, Iro Schünke.

ADVANTAGES OF DIVERSIFICATION  

Cultivation in areas where tobacco was harvested reduces grain production costs, as residual use of applied fertilizers occurs. Consequently, there may be a cost reduction in the production of protein (meat, milk and eggs), with the use of off-season corn in animal processing. Other benefits are soil protection and interruption of the pest and weed proliferation cycle.

PROGRAM PARTNERS 

In activity since 1985, o Corn and Beans Program is conducted by SindiTabaco and brings together the field structure of associated companies and technicians from supporting entities, who offer technical assistance and training to producers with the aim of publicizing the advantages of safrinha planting and encouraging the practice of property diversification. The partners are the governments of the states of Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul and Paraná, the Association of Tobacco Growers of Brazil (Afubra), the Federation of Agricultural Workers of the State of Rio Grande do Sul (Fetag-RS), the Federation of Agriculture of the State of Rio Grande do Sul (Farsul), the Federation of Agricultural Workers of the State of Santa Catariana (Fetaesc), the Agriculture Federation of the State of Santa Catarina (Faesc), the National Rural Learning Service (Senar), the Federation of Agriculture of the State of Paraná (Faep), the Federation of Agricultural Workers of the State of Paraná (Fetaep) and the Paraná Institute of Technical Assistance and Rural Extension (Emater).