Brazil: Despite the drought, rice harvest advances in Rio Grande do Sul

The harvest in Rio Grande do Sul continues to advance, despite the lack of rain in some areas. According to the National Supply Company (Conab), in the producing regions of the state, the volume of rain was not enough to increase the level of the reservoirs, but it helped to reduce the salinization of water in the Northeast. In areas where irrigation management was possible, crop development is very good, with adequate sunlight and little humidity in the air. However, in the areas most affected by the severe drought, there are reports of irreversible crop losses. In Santa Catarina, around 17% of the area has already been harvested, with the North Coast region showing the greatest advance, reaching 50%. Although high temperatures can cause flower abortion in flowering areas, most crops are in good condition, with 95% rated as good, 4% as average and only 1% as poor. In Goiás, the harvest continues, mainly in the North region. Meanwhile, in Mato Grosso, most crops are still in the ...