Rains cause carrots to be discarded and prices rise by more than 10% in the Minas Gerais cerrado

The combination of heavy rains and high temperatures in Minas Gerais in recent days has favored the incidence of honeydew and nematodes in carrots in the Cerrado Mineiro, leading to part of the roots being discarded and reducing the supply of the product. Furthermore, rainfall slowed down the pace of harvesting this season, which has already been decreasing as the end approaches. Thus, between November 19th and 23rd, the price of a box with 29 kg of “dirty” carrots rose 10,4% compared to the previous week, to an average of R$17,00. According to Hortifruti/Cepea employees, the slower pace of field activities could postpone the end of the winter harvest, which is expected for December, until January. 

As summer varieties begin to be harvested next month, there should be an overlap between the two seasons. In addition to the damage to the harvested roots, Hortifruti/Cepea collaborators state that excessive rain also makes it difficult for newly cultivated seeds to germinate. In this way, the percentage of replanting increased significantly in the Cerrado.  www.hfbrasil.org.br