Embrapa, a state-owned company that operates in agricultural research is a strong ally of Brazilian farmers and livestock keepers when the subject is cost reduction and greater productivity. Last year alone, an estimated US$ 3.7 billion was saved through the use of varieties that reduced the use fungicides and insecticides, and methods that increased crop performance and product quality. For every US$ 1 invested in agricultural research, the return was US$ 14.
Investment in new technologies is, in reality, one of the reasons for the agricultural boom in the country. Brazil rose from a production of around 58 million tonnes of grain in the 1980's to 123 million tonnes last year. One fact that goes to show the fundamental part agricultural research played in the process is the fact that production rose more than the cropland. Whereas the number of hectares cultivated rose 10%, the volume of grain collected rose 111% in the period.
Embrapa agricultural research work, the largest worldwide in the area, is supported by a highly qualified team, including 1,257 researchers with doctorates, 905 with masters degrees, and 50 graduates. Their work is offered to farmers and livestock keepers for free. The company expenses are low if the benefits are considered. The federal government is going to invest over US$ 72 million on Embrapa this year. The government priorities are bio fuel research and forestry production.
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
