Brazil - Rivulis and Gota Azul support coffee growers in Southern Minas Gerais amid severe droughts

Brazil is grappling with its worst drought in 45 years, with rainfall down by 50%, threatening coffee production and the global supply chain. As the world’s largest coffee producer, Brazil’s crisis could spark global price hikes, making the need for efficient irrigation solutions more critical than ever.

The Drought’s Impact on Coffee Production

The Southern Minas Gerais region, known for its high-quality coffee, is experiencing severe water shortages. Coffee plants are particularly vulnerable to drought due to their physiological needs, especially during the critical flowering stage in spring. Plants struggle to bloom without sufficient rainfall, leading to significant productivity losses.

On average, Brazilian coffee yields are around 25 bags per hectare, but farmers using Rivulis’ drip irrigation systems can increase yields to 45 bags or more per hectare. This impressive increase highlights the essential role of water management in optimizing coffee production, especially during challenging weather conditions. Additionally, fertigation—the application of water-soluble fertilizers through irrigation—delivers nutrients directly to the active root system, promoting healthier plants and higher-quality coffee.

Rivulis’ Impact on Coffee Growers in Southern Minas Gerais

Rivulis, a global leader in micro-irrigation solutions, has partnered with Gota Azul Irrigação, a trusted local reseller, to bring innovative irrigation technologies to coffee farmers in Minas Gerais. Rivulis’ drip irrigation systems are designed to maximize water use efficiency, improve coffee quality, and boost productivity, even in drought. With strategic support from local partners, Rivulis ensures that farmers receive specialized technical assistance, making a significant difference in their operations.

Leandro Lance, Rivulis’ Sales Director, emphasizes the technology’s importance:

″Drip irrigation helps Southern Minas Gerais coffee growers make the most of their water resources, while also enhancing the quality and quantity of their crops. By collaborating with Gota Azul, we ensure farmers have the support they need to succeed, even in the toughest conditions.″

Reliable Solutions for Challenging Conditions

Rivulis’ products, such as sand filters and the D5000 PC drip lines, are trusted by Gota Azul for their reliability in difficult conditions. These solutions work effectively in dry soils, steep terrains, and remote areas with poor water quality. The self-compensating D5000 PC drip line ensures consistent water and nutrient distribution across long distances and sloping terrains, making it ideal for coffee plantations in Southern Minas Gerais.

Eduardo Botelho, General Director of Gota Azul, highlights the value these systems bring to farmers:

″Our partnership with Rivulis allows us to offer state-of-the-art irrigation solutions to local coffee growers. Investing in these systems boosts productivity by up to 22 extra bags per hectare, helping farmers increase profitability while ensuring long-term sustainability.″

Boosting Productivity and Long-Term Sustainability

The long lifespan of coffee plantations – 20 to 30 years – means that investing in efficient irrigation now will pay off for years to come. Drip irrigation helps mitigate the effects of Brazil’s biennial production cycles, ensuring more stable and predictable yields. Gota Azul’s deep experience in Southern Minas Gerais ensures that farmers are well-equipped to navigate rapidly changing climates.

Brazil is responsible for producing one-third of the world’s coffee, making it an essential player in the global coffee market. If drought-related productivity declines continue, global coffee prices may rise, impacting both consumers and local economies. By embracing drip irrigation technology, Brazilian farmers are better equipped to meet the demands of the global market and ensure sustainable coffee cultivation.

Securing the Future of Coffee Production in Brazil

As the drought persists, the need for reliable irrigation technology becomes even more urgent. Rivulis leads the charge in providing solutions that empower farmers to manage their water resources effectively. Through innovative micro-irrigation, Rivulis is helping secure the future of coffee cultivation in Brazil, setting a global standard for sustainable agriculture and ensuring that the world continues to enjoy the high-quality coffee it depends on.

By working together with Gota Azul, Rivulis is helping Southern Minas Gerais farmers face drought challenges head-on, boosting their resilience and productivity, and safeguarding the future of Brazil’s coffee industry.