FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 04/02 - BRAZIL (24 April)
Planting of the 2002 wheat crop has started in the main producing southern areas. Intended plantings in the states of Parana, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul are expected to expand due to higher minimum wheat prices established by the government. Non-wheat producing states, such as Goias, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul and Sao Paulo are also expected to plant, attracted by the newly improved minimum prices fixed by the government. Overall, wheat production in 2002 is officially forecast at an above-average of nearly 3.7 million tonnes. Harvesting of the 2002 maize crop is underway. Output is forecast to decline from last year’s record mainly due to significant losses in the large producing states of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina, caused by dry weather during the developing period, principally December and January. Another contributing factor to the decline was the decision of many producers to shift in favour of soybean production. To compensate for these losses in overall maize production, the government intends to encourage farmers increase their second season crop (“safrihna”) plantings. An above-average production is forecast for 2002 but short of 2001 record of 41.5 million tonnes. Harvesting of the 2002 paddy crop is well advanced and production is tentatively forecast at an average 7.7 million tonnes (milled), 11 percent above the 2001 crop.