Although lower yields per hectare are expected during the next harvest, the increase in prices will mean greater income in dollars.
Uruguay will export less tonnage rice during this year compared to what the 2023 figures were, since lower yields per hectare are expected during the next harvest due to direct impacts as a result of the El Niño climate phenomenon.
Despite the lower yields, rice producers expect turnover to increase compared to last year, due to the increase in international prices. This year the generated by placements of rice It could reach up to 600 million dollars, while in 2023 they will enter 550 million dollars.
Currently there are about 150,000 hectares planted in the Uruguayof which, as explained to the EFE Agency by the president of the Rice Growers Association (ACA), Alfredo Lagobetween 8,700 and 8,800 kilos of rice of each one. In 2023, each one had yielded about 9,500 kilos of riceuntil reaching nearly 1.5 million tons.
Although some producers have already begun harvesting, the vast majority are expected to do so from the second half of March. “We are now just a few weeks away from starting a harvest that, although smaller than last year, is still a very good productive level in historical comparison with ourselves,” as well as “in comparison with other countries in the world,” he said. Lake.
“This year we are going to be within greater normality”
“Last year was a record. This year we are going to be within greater normality, but it is still a very good productive level,” remarked the head of the ACA.
Likewise, Lago explained that 95% of the Uruguayan harvest It is destined for export, while the remaining 5% is destined for domestic consumption and seed reserves.
“It will be a harvest with somewhat less productivity, but we are in a very good commercial environment. The international market for rice is very strong,” Lago concluded.
Source: Ambito
