Emater/RS-Ascar reevaluates projections for crop of summer grains

The drought that affected Rio Grande do Sul led Emater/RS-Ascar to reevaluate, this Thursday (01/05), the initial estimate for the crop of summer grains - maize, beans and soybean. The greatest impact up until now occurs in maize crops. Data collected on the second fortnight of December indicate that the crop already records a consolidated loss of 25.17% with relation to the initial prediction. Therewith, grain production is not expected to exceed 3.969.297 tons in crop 2011/2012, that is, 31.29% a number which is fewer than the one recorded in the previous year, when it reached 5.776.512 tons.

Bean of the 1st crop already shows fall of 11.43% with relation to initial estimate, that is, 81.639 tons, and 22.27% with comparison to crop 2011. In the case of bad weather conditions remain, the tendency is that these percentages increase. The main data collected during the beginning of January, which might be broadcasted next week, begin to confirm these tendencies.

The technical director of Emater/RS, Gervásio Paulus, explains that maize and bean were the most damaged by drought so far, since the percentage of crops in flowering and filling stages of grains was significant during December, and this "affected seriously the productivity of these crops is some regions". The greatest impact is in managing regions of Emater/RS-Ascar of Ijuí and the expectation for reduction in maize mean yield is 37%, Passo Fundo (-35%), Lajeado (-30%), Santa Rosa (-25%) and Erechim (-24%).

If the scenario of drought continues, damage might extend in such a more severe manner to soybean crops as well. Based on the data collected until the end of December, Emater/RS-Ascar estimates a reduction of 4.09% for initial expectation for crop 2012, which was 10.300.335 tons, and -15.61% with relation to crop 2011. The agronomist of the Management Planning of Emater/RS-Ascar, Gianfranco Bratta, highlights that, if drought remains, this estimate tends to become worse, since a critical period for soybean begins now. "Until the end of this month around 40% of crops will begin to flower, stage which is extremely sensible to the lack of humidity in the soil", evaluates Bratta.

Source: Press Agency of Emater/RS-Ascar - Journalist Patrícia Strelow