Grain harvest in Minas Gerais expected to grow 6,5%

Producers seek more technologies and initiatives that increase crop productivity

31.01.2025 | 15:51 (UTC -3)
Secretariat of Agriculture
Photo: Diego Vargas
Photo: Diego Vargas

For grains such as rice and beans to always be on the tables of Minas Gerais residents, it is essential that the planting, harvesting and distribution stages in the field occur successfully. The good news is that, in 2025, the outlook for the grain harvest in Minas Gerais indicates a growth of 6,5% compared to 2024.

Data from the National Supply Company (Conab) show that the 2023/2024 Minas Gerais grain harvest recorded a total production of 16,1 million tons, in an area of ​​4,3 million hectares, with a productivity of 3.773 kilograms per hectare. For 2025, production is estimated to reach 17,1 million tons, with a productivity of 4.019 kilograms per hectare. Soybean production alone is expected to reach 8,6 million tons, in a cultivated area estimated at 2,3 million hectares.

Soybeans, beans, rice, corn, wheat and other grains are on the list of crops that are being planted or are in the filling and maturation phase at the beginning of this year. In general, the harvest occurs between October and March, and there may be second or even third plantings after this period, but in these cases, producers resort to alternatives such as irrigation to ensure the harvest even in periods of little rain.

The superintendent of Innovation and Agricultural Economy at the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (Seapa), Feliciano Nogueira, highlights that the productivity estimate for the 2025 harvest may vary throughout the production cycle.

“It is important to make it clear that this projection may change due to factors such as climate conditions, investments in innovation and technology, expansion of planting areas and fluctuations in the value of commodities in the export market. These aspects can either increase production or reduce the numbers from one year to the next,” says Feliciano Nogueira.

The search for greater productivity is precisely the focus of producer Josiani Moraes da Silva, owner of Fazenda Santa Cruz, in Paraguaçu, in the south of Minas Gerais. Josiani, who grows soybeans, corn and coffee, adopts several strategies to improve the yield of her crops.

“We rotate crops to improve the soil. Our current corn plantation in the same area has the function of leaving straw on the land, which makes the soil richer and with more nutrients so that the next soybean harvest will be even more productive,” he explains.

Situation of grain crops in Minas Gerais

Late spring and summer are the most favorable periods for planting grains in the state. Currently, crops are in the final stages of planting or in development. See the status of some of them:

Rice: The crops are already 100% sown. In central pivot areas (irrigation), there may be new planting after the early soybean harvest.

Bean: The first crop has already been planted, despite the greater risk, as its maturation and harvest coincide with the rainy season. In the Northwest, the state's main producing region, many crops are already in the grain filling phase.

Corn: The planting of the first crop has been completed, and most of the crops are in vegetative development. Those sown earlier are already in the reproductive phase, with harvest expected between February and April.

Soy: Planting was completed in the first week of December, and harvesting is expected to take place between February and April.

Cotton: The planting of the first crop in dryland farming has been completed. Now, we are waiting for the soybean harvest to begin planting the second crop, in an irrigated system.

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