Brasília – The expected total volume of sugar production in Brazil during the 2012-2013 season has increased, while that of ethanol has declined, according to figures released today (12th) in the Third Sugarcane Crop Survey released by the National Supply Company (Conab). According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply, larger quantities of cane are being used for sugar manufacturing because ethanol prices are currently more profitable than ethanol prices. According to the Sugarcane and Agroenergy director at the ministry, Cid Jorge Caldas, there is no risk of an ethanol shortage in the country, despite the reduced output.
According to Conab estimates, sugar output will be up 4.72% to 37.6 million tonnes. Ethanol output should be down 5.22% from 24.9 billion litres in the last crop to 23.6 billion in the current one. The decline is a result of a decline in output of hydrated ethanol (used for fuelling vehicles), from 15.1 billion litres to 13.9 billion litres. Anhydrous ethanol output (which is mixed into gasoline) declined by a lower rate (0.8%), from 9.7 billion litres to 9.6 billion litres.
The Conab expects total sugarcane output to amount to 595.1 million tonnes of in the 2012-2013 season, up 6.5% from the 2011-2012 season, when 560.3 million tonnes were produced. The increase, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, is due to good climate, especially in Mid-South Brazil, which comprises the states of Paraná, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Espírito Santo, São Paulo, Goiás and Minas Gerais. According to the Conab, the total farming area has increased by 4.2%, from 8.356 million hectares to 8.520 million. According to the Conab, the increase has not led to deforestation, because the areas were formerly used for grazing and farming of other cultures.
The 2012-2013 crop covers the period ranging from April this year to March next year. For Conab’s third crop survey, 442 production units were visited by 52 technicians.
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
