Team evaluates effects of drought on crops to update grain harvest data in RS

After the visit of the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply, Tereza Cristina, to the areas of the center-south of the country affected by the drought, the National Supply Company (Conab), which accompanied the Mapa delegation, continues the studies previously scheduled to update the grain harvest numbers in Rio Grande do Sul, which will be released in the 5th survey of the 2021/2022 cycle.

The research that began this Monday (24/01) continues until Friday (28/01), in remote mode, with the help of Conab's network of informants in all mesoregions of the state, which covers institutions such as Emater, Irga, Cooperatives , Planning Offices and financial agents. In this survey, the main summer crops (soy, rice, corn) will be evaluated, in a regionalized manner, in four routes that represent the main local producing regions. Information will be collected regarding the percentage sown and harvested, crop stages, types of seeds, cultivar cycle, technology used, agricultural calendar and crop quality, among others.

“The drought that has hit the state has already placed more than 340 municipalities in an emergency situation”, says the regional superintendent of Conab in Rio Grande do Sul, Carlos Bestétti. “The effects of this occurrence on the harvest are greater in the corn crop, which has accelerated harvesting due to the lack of humidity. The north, center and western border regions of Rio Grande do Sul are the most affected. As for soybeans, the effects of drought are also severe, due to the different stages that the crop presents.”

The research in Rio Grande do Sul also evaluates the effect of high temperatures on rice cultivation. Conab technicians explain that many producers reduced irrigation for the entire crop, giving preference to areas in the reproductive period, as a measure to guarantee irrigation until the end of the cycle. The quantitative results of area, production and productivity in the state are being compiled and will only be released on February 10, during the presentation of national data from the 5th Survey of the 2021/2022 Grain Harvest.