Brazil Ministry of Agriculture discusses use of dicamba herbicide

The Brazil's National Supply Company (Conab) estimates that the production of grain for the 2018/19 harvest has increased by some 4%, compared to the previous harvest. At the same time, soy production is expected to reach 118.8 million tonnes. For the country to continue to grow sustainably, it is necessary to invest more funding in the use of new technologies that help the challenges of the farmer to overcome the adversities of agriculture and the tropical climate in Brazil.

 

In view of this scenario, the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply (MAPA) held a technical meeting on the use of dicamba technology on Brazilian farms on March 20. The event was attended by businesses, multinational companies and researchers.

 

Dicamba is a herbicide used in pre-planting that assists in combating broad-leaved weeds, such as hairy fleabane, pigweed, viola and black pickleweed. In Brazil, this technology is still being tested prior to receiving approval for commercialization.

 

According to the Secretary of MAPA, José Guilherme Tollstadius Leal, the gathering provided more clarification to producers about the use of dicamba. "We thought of this event precisely so that producers, companies and researchers could discuss their concerns, arguments and technical information," said the Secretary.

 

For Rômulo Ramos, representative of BASF, the use of dicamba in Brazilian crops can significantly increase production. "The product is already used in a number of countries, such as the United States, and its importance in a crop rotation system is crucial to farmers," he said.

 

The vice president of Aprosoja Brasil, Antônio Galvan, noted, "The lack of skilled labor in the field limits the use of technology. This important factor impairs the application of the product in Brazil."

 

During the meeting, officials from Bayer highlighted the importance of a program to extend and train employees on farms. "It all starts with the correct use of the label that will result in qualified professionals who will have the correct training to deal with the product," said Bayer representative Vinicius Faião.

 

For the president of the Brazilian Association of Soybean Producers (ABRASS), Tiago Fonseca, the incentive to research and use new technologies in production is of paramount importance. "We need to stimulate the use of new technologies that contribute to genetic improvements and pest control, bringing increased productivity and income to the sector," he added.