Lack of rain worries citrus growers

The below-average volume of rainfall has worried citrus growers in the state of São Paulo. According to Cepea researchers, the current stage of fruit filling is very dependent on humidity, which creates uncertainty regarding the volume to be harvested in the harvest. In addition to the number of fruits, which was already predicted not to be high, citrus growers are concerned about quality restrictions that may arise from low humidity.

The main complaints are related to the size of the oranges (which may take longer to reach the ideal size) and the wilting of fruits that are more ripe, especially early pears and those in the early pear group.

To prevent oranges from losing even more quality, some citrus growers can speed up harvesting, even if the fruits have not yet reached the ideal size and ripeness. This, in turn, could make it difficult for the flow and recovery of prices.