Lack of rain worries farmers in Paraná

The lack of rain in the State of Paraná has worried rural producers in some regions. The Weather and Cultivation Conditions Bulletin from the Department of Rural Economy (Deral) indicates that, in the period from July 23 to 29, there was an increase in the incidence of fire outbreaks in rural areas. In other parts of the State, the sequence of rainy days between July 8th and 20th resulted in fruits falling from the trees, in addition to causing fungus on the skin and rot on the lower part of the fruits due to excess humidity. 

The harvest of Ponca tangerines is coming to an end, but has faced attacks from fruit flies, partially controlled with the return of colder nights. Still in relation to fruit growing, orange and grape harvests have already been reported. 

The 2nd corn harvest is approaching its end, and some municipalities have already completed the work. In relation to productivity, some areas present results below expectations, however, in the Southwest region and even in part of the West it remains within expectations. 

Drops in productivity and low income were reported in relation to the coffee harvest, as well as quality problems. However, the prices charged have alleviated concerns about these problems. 

The cassava harvest continues in the producing regions, and farmers are already preparing the soil for planting the next crop. Sugarcane harvesting also intensified. Some areas of 2nd crop potatoes were harvested with an average productivity below expectations, reflecting the rise in prices. 

Wheat planting has now been completed, after a delay due to the rains of the previous weeks. Most of the crop has grain filling, a period in which soil moisture is essential. 

The period without rain, which reaches 20 days in some municipalities, is beginning to worry producers. However, in the southernmost municipalities, conditions remain good, with more recurrent rains. 

There was pressure from caterpillars in some locations, but producers carried out the necessary controls. On the other hand, some municipalities report losses in wheat due to the presence of powdery mildew, rust and blast. The phytosanitary management mentioned for wheat occurred in a similar way for barley. 

In the south of the state, oat cultivation is developing well, with the prospect of good productivity, while crops further north are in worse conditions. 

The week also marked the beginning of planting of the 24/25 potato crop. In the tobacco seedling beds, preparations continue. In pastures, the lack of moisture in the soil has reduced food production for beef and dairy cattle, especially in the Northwest.