The Brazilian Potato Production is Impacted by High Temperatures
The Brazilian potato production has been greatly impacted by the unusually high temperatures over the past two weeks, which have also had an impact on how the spud-producing regions have carried out their operations.
“In the Triângulo Mineiro, adverse weather conditions have negatively impacted quality, with some cases of chocolate spot disease of potatoes, a large portion showing darkening of the skin. Furthermore, producers reported that the presence of moths was intensified. In response to this situation, activities were accelerated, to reduce losses as much as possible. Estimates indicate that more than 90% of the areas destined for production for the fresh market in the Triangle have already been harvested, around 5 to 10% more than expected for the period,” HF Brasil reports.
In the meantime, there haven’t been any notable reports of potato quality reductions in the South of Minas, allowing for a more leisurely harvesting pace. With the region having finished about 85% of the harvest, it is predicted that the supply calendar has not shown any significant alterations. Similar circumstances can be found in Cristalina (GO), where harvests did not accelerate despite the heat since prices were deemed poor.
“So far, the quality of the tubers offered by the region is good. However, recent rains raise concerns for producers regarding possible losses in quality, given the lower resistance of tubers after climate change. The estimate is that, by the end of October, approximately 95% of the crop has already been harvested in GO, with very little merchandise remaining for November,” the above-mentioned source added.
Harvests in Chapada Diamantina (BA) are proceeding according to schedule. Producers note that potatoes are still of decent quality despite the high temperatures, allowing harvests to proceed according to schedule. Furthermore, no noteworthy phytosanitary issues have been brought up to date.
In Southwest São Paulo, people have shown perseverance in the face of adversity. Growers here are holding onto harvest-ready potatoes so they may bargain for better prices during the first few weeks of October. Potatoes that can be kept in the fields are also being kept.
“The excessively hot and dry climate is causing problems with the quality of potatoes from Vargem Grande do Sul (SP), leading to very rapid darkening of the skin. Furthermore, there are reports of loss of areas in the region, especially related to physiological problems, such as the chocolate spot disease of potatoes. In response, producers are intensifying harvests to minimize losses, although sales are experiencing difficulties due to the large volume of potatoes on the market. Therefore, more than 95% of the harvest has been completed and the harvest in this area is expected to be completed by the first half of October, leaving only the fields with contracts with the industry for harvest,” the source concluded.
