A city in Bahia state recorded the largest agricultural economy in the country in 2012.
The municipality with the highest agricultural production is São Desidério, which generated R$ 2,3 billion, surpassing Sorriso, in Mato Grosso; this information is part of the Municipal Agricultural Production (PAM) survey, released today (25) by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE); the municipality had a 35,2% increase in the value of production last year; São Desidério is the largest cotton producer in Brazil.
Flávia Villela*
Reporter from Agência Brasil
Rio de Janeiro – São Desidério, in Bahia, was the largest agricultural economy among Brazilian municipalities in 2012, generating R$ 2,3 billion, surpassing Sorriso, in Mato Grosso. This information is part of the Municipal Agricultural Production (PAM) survey, released today (25) by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). The municipality saw a 35,2% increase in the value of production last year. Sorriso and São Desidério have alternated in first place in production value in recent years. São Desidério led in 2007 and 2010. In 2009, it was Sorriso's turn, which also led in 2008.
As the country's largest cotton producer, São Desidério was responsible for 12,4% of Brazil's cotton production (48,9% of Bahia's production) and had a strong presence in soybean production, which earned the municipality 11th place in the national soybean ranking (23,5% of Bahia's harvest).
According to the municipal secretary of Agriculture of São Desidério, José Marques, production is basically concentrated in the hands of large foreign producers, such as Xinguagri, a subsidiary of the Multigrain Group (owned by the Japanese company Mitsui), and Brazilian producers, such as Fazenda Busato. "Some areas reach 90 hectares, but there are also small farmers," he commented.
He explained that agriculture in the municipality gained momentum in the 70s and 80s, with the migration of farmers from the South of the country, attracted by the geography and favorable climate of western Bahia.
"Our region is not located in the semi-arid zone; we have flat areas, 24 perennial rivers, and a unique climate that is extremely favorable for the production of these crops," said Marques. "Today, the municipality is the largest producer in the North and Northeast," he celebrated.
Sorriso, which moved into second place in the ranking in terms of production value, recorded R$ 2,06 billion in 2012. However, it continues to be the largest producer of soybeans (1,9 million tons, or 3% of national production) and corn. The value of production grew by 9,1%, due to a 124,6% increase in corn production.
*Vítor Abdala contributed to this report.
Edition: Adjutant Grace