Devastating Drought Compromises Soybean Harvest in Rio Grande do Sul

Impacts of drought on soybean production in Rio Grande do Sul

Introduction

Emater's weekly survey reveals that the irregular distribution of rainfall in Rio Grande do Sul is creating significant disparities in the performance of soybean crops. Producers in the West and central region face the greatest challenges due to the intense drought, contrasting with the more favorable situation in the East of the state, where the crops are in the flowering and grain filling phases. The water regime at this stage is crucial to determine the final yield, and the scarcity of water is compromising the development of the crops.

Losses and Challenges in the Bagé Region

In the Bagé region, the lack of rain is so severe that it is estimated that at least 5,000 hectares of arable land were not even sown. This reduction in the planting area represents a significant blow to regional production.

Growing Debt in the Northwest of the State

In the Northwest of Rio Grande do Sul, the outlook is even more alarming, with increasing debt among farmers. Many of them were unable to obtain crop insurance coverage and are now facing their fourth consecutive harvest with negative results.

Cycle of Losses and Impact on Sustainability

This continuous cycle of losses is creating an increasingly unsustainable situation, as rural producers are unable to recover from accumulated losses. This scenario compromises the economic viability of their activities in the long term.

Critical Grain Filling Phase Compromised

The lack of rain is particularly critical for the soybean crop in the grain filling phase. The absence of precipitation in this vital period for plant development has caused irreversible damage, resulting in grains that do not reach their full potential. As a consequence, many crops are considered unrecoverable, with a large part of the plants dying before reaching maturity.

Next Steps

The severe drought in Rio Grande do Sul is generating a significant crisis for soybean producers, with substantial losses, increased debt, and an uncertain future for agricultural activity in several regions of the state. The lack of access to crop insurance for many farmers further aggravates the situation, making recovery from losses an even greater challenge.