Most soybean crops still in the field in Paraná in good and average conditions

The panorama of agriculture in Paraná reveals a scenario of challenges and resilience, according to information from the Department of Rural Economy (Deral) this week. When analyzing soybean, corn and onion crops, it is possible to understand the nuances.

The National Supply Company (Conab) revised downwards the national production of soybean, now estimated at 146,8 million tons, representing a 5% drop compared to the previous harvest. In Paraná, the progress of the soybean harvest has already reached 73% of the 5,8 million hectares planted, with the majority of the remaining areas presenting good to average field conditions.

The reduction in Brazilian production contrasts with the expectation of global growth, led by the United States, where production is projected to increase by 4,9%. This large availability of soybeans on the world market keeps prices under pressure, even with the reduction in national production.

The scenario for the corn in Paraná it is more optimistic, with the planting of the second harvest already exceeding 91% of the estimated area. Anticipating planting throughout the state significantly reduces the risks associated with lower temperatures or frosts at the end of the cycle, especially in the western region, traditionally more susceptible to these weather events. The first corn harvest also shows good results, with 82% of the harvest completed and expected to be completed in the next 15 days.

The culture of onion faced specific challenges, with the 2023/2024 harvest ending at 86,7 thousand tons, a result negatively impacted by adverse weather conditions, such as pockets of heat, above-average precipitation and low sunshine. These conditions resulted in the loss of cultivated areas and a reduction in productivity and production volume in relation to initial projections.

From an economic point of view, onion producers in Paraná received, on average, R$2,59 per kilo in 2023, a value 12,5% ​​lower than the previous year. However, with the gradual reduction in the supply of indigenous onions, prices in the field showed a recovery, reaching R$3,50 per kilo recently.