Brazil's grain production is expected to reach a record high of 146.3 million tonnes in the 2009-2010 period, surging 8.3% over the previous cycle, state-owned National Supply Company (Conab) said Wednesday (Apr 7).

According to Conab's estimate, soy, the main export product of Brazil, is expected to increase 17.9%, reaching 67.39 million tonnes in the 2009-2010 period. Corn, another major crop of the country, is estimated to reach 54.14 million tonnes, up 6.1% over the previous cycle.

Efficient rainfall and scientific management are seen as having significantly contributed to the harvest.

However, despite the growth of production, the total cultivated areas dropped slightly to 47.6 million hectares, a 2% fall compared with the previous cycle.