February 10, 2004

 

 

Brazil's Asian Rust Fungicide Supply Sufficient

 

Brazil's supply of fungicide to combat the deadly Asian rust soy disease is seen sufficient to cope with strong demand this season, according to industry sources.

 

"There has been a big increase in demand, but with the government's help we should be able to cope," Jose Roberto Da Ros, president of Brazil's fungicide and pesticide industry association, Sindag, said.

 

He added that the government has assured Asian rust fungicide imports will be given top priority and will not suffer any delays at customs.

 

"Industry stocks are sufficient to treat 3.2 million hectares. This does not include stocks held by stores and farmers," said Da Ros.

 

Recent strong rainfall in most soy producing regions has increased the spread of the potentially devastating and fast-moving fungus, which flourishes in moist conditions.

 

Brazil's soy acreage this year is estimated at over 20 million hectares, with 15 million hectares already showing some traces of rust, according to the government's agriculture research agency Embrapa.

 

Rust can be effectively contained by punctual fungicide spraying. Farmers affected by Asian rust last season are sufficiently stocked up on fungicide, but those in newly affected regions could be found short.

 

"There might be a need to import more fungicide, but we are confident we can meet demand," said Da Ros.

 

The disease took an estimated 3 million metric tons off Brazil's 51 million-ton crop last year.

 

Brazil is the world's No. 2 soybean producer with production seen at around 58.9 million tons this year, up from 51.6 million tons, according to Brazilian Vegetable Oil Industry Association, or Abiove.