Produção de laranja: bom negócio para pequena propriedade rural

Summary

This video highlights the success of citrus farming in Santa Catarina, Brazil, particularly in small family-owned farms. It follows the story of a farmer who transitioned from dairy to citrus cultivation in 2006, achieving high productivity and competitiveness. The video explores best practices for citrus farming, including soil analysis, pest management, and the importance of bees for pollination. It also discusses the role of innovation, technical assistance, and diversification in boosting farm income. With a focus on persistence and the adoption of modern techniques, the video showcases the positive results of citrus farming in the region.

Takeaways

• 😀 The production of oranges is one of the most important agricultural sectors in Brazil, with a notable presence in small farms in Santa Catarina.
• 😀 Innovation and technology have allowed small-scale producers in the region of Concordia, Santa Catarina, to achieve high productivity and market competitiveness.
• 😀 In 2006, the farm transitioned to citrus cultivation as the profitability of dairy farming declined, marking the beginning of a successful journey in fruit production.
• 😀 The farm now produces two main types of oranges: 'doce precoce' (early sweet) and 'laranja umbigo' (navel orange), with a harvest that spans most of the year.
• 😀 The farm uses a mix of early and late maturing varieties to ensure a continuous supply of fruit, typically with only a 60-90 day gap without harvestable fruit.
• 😀 Bees play a crucial role in pollination, and the farm maintains around 10 beehives to support this process and ensure good fruit production.
• 😀 Proper soil management, including soil analysis and fertilization tailored to plant needs, is key for maintaining a healthy, productive orchard.
• 😀 Soil cover is vital not only for preventing erosion but also for maintaining natural predators that control pests in the orchard.
• 😀 Winter treatments are necessary to protect the trees from diseases and pests like scale insects and mites, which can harm the crop.
• 😀 Monitoring for fruit fly infestations is essential. Farmers use traps to detect the presence of fruit flies and decide if pesticide treatment is needed.
• 😀 Despite initial setbacks in citrus farming, persistence and adherence to technical guidance have allowed farmers in the region to achieve profitability through citrus production.

Q & A

What is the importance of citrus farming in Santa Catarina?

Citrus farming is one of the most important agricultural activities in Brazil, particularly in Santa Catarina, where it plays a key role in the economy, with a focus on small rural properties that use technology and innovation to achieve high productivity and competitiveness in the market.

How did citrus farming start on the featured farm?

The farm transitioned to citrus farming in 2006, after facing a decline in profitability from other activities like dairy farming. The family decided to diversify by planting citrus trees, focusing on fruit production to sustain the farm's income.

What are the different types of oranges harvested on the farm?

The farm produces various types of oranges, including early-season varieties harvested in April and May, as well as late-season varieties like 'laranja de umbigo' (navel orange), which is harvested in the later months, continuing until February.

How long is the harvesting season for the oranges?

The farm's harvest season is spread throughout most of the year. There are brief gaps of 60 to 90 days without fruit, but in general, the farm produces fruit year-round due to a mix of early and late-season varieties.

Why is pollination important for citrus farming, and how is it managed?

Pollination is crucial for fruit production in citrus farming, and the farm uses approximately 10 beehives to ensure proper pollination. Bees play an essential role in the fertilization of orange blossoms, leading to better fruit yields.

What agricultural practices are recommended for successful citrus farming?

Successful citrus farming requires good soil analysis, appropriate fertilization, and consistent soil cover to protect against erosion. Additionally, pest management techniques like controlling the cochineal and mites, as well as monitoring fruit flies, are critical to maintaining healthy crops.

What is the importance of soil analysis in citrus farming?

Soil analysis is vital for determining the correct fertilization approach. By conducting thorough soil and leaf analysis, farmers can apply nutrients in the right amounts and at the right times, optimizing growth and fruit production.

How does soil cover contribute to citrus farming?

Soil cover is essential in citrus farming because it helps retain moisture, prevents soil erosion, and supports the maintenance of natural predators that control pests. This practice is key for sustainable farming and disease management.

What role do fruit fly traps play in citrus farming?

Fruit fly traps are used to monitor pest levels in the orchard. By checking the traps regularly, farmers can determine when to apply pest control measures. The presence of fruit flies indicates when treatments, such as insecticides, may be necessary to protect the crops.

What challenges have citrus farmers faced in Santa Catarina, and how are they overcoming them?

While citrus farming in the region has faced challenges, such as previous less-successful experiences, farmers who followed technical recommendations and focused on soil health, pest control, and proper care have seen positive results. These farmers are now successfully producing high-quality citrus fruit and earning sustainable income.