MS Harvest 2024/25: corn planting reaches 69%

According to information from the Siga-MS Project, carried out by Aprosoja/MS, the area planted with second-crop corn 2024/2024 reached 68,9% in the State. The northern region is more advanced in planting, with an average of 76,3%, while the central region is at 70,9% and the southern region at 67,6%. The area planted to date, according to estimates from the Siga-MS Project, is approximately 1,4 hectares.

The estimate indicates that the 2nd harvest will be 0,1% higher compared to the previous cycle (2023/2024), with a cultivated area of ​​2,1 million hectares. The expected average productivity is 80,8 bags per hectare, in line with the production potential observed in the last five harvests in the state. Based on these numbers, the expectation is a total production of 10,2 million tons, which represents a significant growth of 20,6% compared to the previous cycle.

"Some factors that should be observed: it is important to emphasize that agricultural zoning is an essential tool for planting second-crop corn, and local technical recommendations should also be consulted to adjust the planting calendar according to the specific region within the state. From March onwards, the conditions for planting and developing the crop end up being difficult due to the decrease in rainfall, especially in the southern region of the state", ponders the technical coordinator of Aprosoja/MS, Gabriel Balta.

The current second corn crop occupies approximately 47% of the area allocated to soybeans in the state, a significant reduction compared to the 75% it previously occupied. "The crop has been losing strength due to the high cost of production and adverse weather conditions that are affecting its development. These factors increase the risk associated with the activity. Therefore, producers are choosing to diversify the second crop."