Lack of rain harms Bahia's 3rd bean harvest

On a national level, the total estimated production of beans is 3,71 million tons, according to data from the monthly report released by the Department of Rural Economy (Deral), of the State Secretariat for Agriculture and Supply. Around 23% of this volume corresponds to the third harvest, significant mainly in the states of Mato Grosso and Goiás.

Bahia, which also historically has a representative third harvest, this year will have problems with the lack of rain, which has already damaged more than 50% of the third harvest. Of the total national production, around 62% corresponds to cored beans, 21% to cowpeas and 17% to black beans. It is estimated that supply and consumption are balanced and Brazil will have normal supply throughout the year.

Paraná planted 231 thousand hectares of beans this year, 8% more compared to last year, when the area was 212,8 thousand hectares. The good prices recorded in the first quarter of 2019 explain the increase, according to Deral economist Methodio Groxko.

At the beginning of the harvest, Deral predicted the production of 442 thousand tons of beans. Now, the adjustments indicate maintenance of the planted area, but a reduction in production. “The harvest had good results, but with the continuous rains in the Francisco Beltrão and Pato Branco regions, there was a record loss of 18%, totaling 80 thousand tons”, explains Groxko. Now, production is expected to be 361,8 thousand tons. The second harvest beans are practically harvested and 53% of the crops are in good condition, 32% in average condition, and 15% in poor condition.

The expectation is that prices will remain the same, with the possibility of an increase from August onwards, with reductions planned for the third harvest. Still, Paraná's supply should not be compromised.