Brazil: Conab predicts a 4.8% drop in sugarcane production for the 2024/25 harvest, impacted by adverse weather conditions

Brazil's sugarcane production in the 2024/25 harvest, estimated at 678.67 million tons, will fall by 4.8% compared to the previous cycle, according to the third survey released this Thursday (28) by the National Supply Company (Conab). Although the area destined for harvest grew by 4.3%, reaching 8.7 million hectares, average productivity fell, with a forecast of 78,048 kg/ha, which represents a reduction of 8.8% compared to the last harvest. The main factors that explain this decrease include unfavorable weather conditions, such as the lack of rain and the increase in temperatures, especially in the Center-South regions, responsible for 91% of national production. In addition, the burning of sugarcane fields during the production cycle also negatively impacted crop yields. The Southeast region, the largest sugarcane producer in the country, expects a 7.4% reduction in the 2024/25 harvest, with an estimated 434.48 million tons. The state of São Paulo, the largest producer, will be ...