Cassava producer speeds up harvest after excessive rain.

THE cassava It shows satisfactory initial development in the Santa Rosa region, in Rio Grande do Sul, but the excess moisture recorded during the cycle caused root rot in denser areas with poor drainage. According to data released by Emater/RS-Ascar in the Conjunctural Report on Thursday (10), producers have accelerated harvesting to reduce losses.

In the Emater/RS-Ascar administrative region of Santa Rosa, the predominance of dry weather and good sunshine favored the initial development of the crop. Already planted cassava cuttings are showing sprouting, while newly planted areas are registering satisfactory emergence and prospects for establishment.

In crops that are already in the harvesting phase, however, a slight reduction in root productivity was observed compared to previous cycles. According to data released by Emater/RS-Ascar, another point of concern is the occurrence of root rot.

The problem was mainly observed in areas with higher plant density and poor drainage. High soil moisture throughout the growing season created conditions for the disease to appear and increased the risk of production losses.

Given this scenario, producers have been bringing forward the harvest in the affected areas as a strategy to reduce losses. Some of the harvested roots are being stored in freezers on the farms themselves.

Cassava production in the region is primarily intended for family consumption and animal feed. According to data released by Emater/RS-Ascar, some farmers also sell small quantities directly to consumers.

The scenario combines favorable conditions for the development of newly planted areas with challenges for crops currently being harvested. While the dry weather and sunshine favor sprouting and emergence, the excess moisture recorded throughout the cycle damaged some of the roots and led producers to bring forward their work in the field.