São Paulo – Brazil’s foodgrain production is likely to break a new record at 315.8 million tonnes in 2022-23. So said the 9th Foodgrain Crop Survey released Tuesday (13) in Brasília by Brazilian agency Conab.
If confirmed, the 43.2 million tonnes growth will represent a 15.8% growth compared to the previous crop.
The planting area is expected to grow 4.8% from the 2021-22, to 78.1 million hectares.
Soybeans
The highest growth in the current crop is in soybean production, whose harvest is “virtually complete”, according to Conab. It’s estimated that it reaches 155.7 million tonnes, up 24% (30.2 million tonnes) from 2021-22.
“Top growing state Mato Grosso is breaking a new record for this crop at an estimated output of 45.6 million tonnes. Bahia is another highlight with the country’s largest productivity at 4,020 kg per hectare,” said Conab.
Conab Crop Monitoring manager Fabiano Vasconcellos said these results “reflects a good technological package and favorable weather conditions.”
Maize and cotton
Maize is also expected to post a record output, according to the survey. It’s estimated that its crop reaches an overall 125.7 million tonnes. If confirmed, this will be 11.1% higher (12.6 million tonnes) than 2021-22’s crop.
“The harvest of its first crop is almost finished, with an output of 27.1 million tonnes. Its second crop, at an early stage of harvest, is estimated to reach an output of 96.3 million tonnes,” stressed Conab. According to Vasconcellos, weather conditions have been favorable for the development of the crop so far.
According to Conab’s survey, the second cotton crop is forecasted at 2.98 million tonnes.
Rice, beans, and wheat
The rice crop is expected to reach some 10 million tonnes, while bean output is forecasted at approximately 3 million tonnes.
Out of winter cultures, Conab highlighted wheat, with a sown area already reaching 46.9% of forecast — up 9.7% in planting area, with the culture likely to cover 3.4 million hectares. Estimated production is at 9.8 million tonnes.
International sales
“In this new survey, Conab kept its leading supply forecasts for the 2022-23 crop stable. Thus, a record-breaking volume is still expected for maize and soybean in the country,” it said.
According to Conab, the “good volumes” forecasted for maize and soybean production in Brazil allow for shipments of approximately 95.6 million tonnes for the oilseed and 48 million tonnes for the cereal.
“But attention still needs to be paid to some relevant outside factors like the United States crop, which may be impacted by weather conditions, as well as the demand from the Chinese market and a potential global recession, and other factors that affect prices and demand for the goods,” remarked Conab Economic Statistical and Statistical Studies and Agricultural Policy manager Allan Silveira.
Translated by Guilherme Miranda
