Known for investments in soybeans and corn, Mato Grosso do Sul is now beginning to explore a new agricultural market: oranges. This opportunity emerged due to problems faced by São Paulo and Minas Gerais, the largest producers of the fruit in Brazil.
Responsible for 70% of the national orange production, these states are struggling with "greening," a pest that destroys crops.
Extreme weather, with very high temperatures and little rainfall, also affected the last harvest.
Originating in Asia, the disease caused by a bacteria leads to dry and dying branches and leaf loss. The fruit shows irregular maturation, size reduction, deformation, and intense dropping.
Mato Grosso do Sul is not affected by the disease and has available areas for planting.
Currently, 18,000 hectares are planted with the fruit. The goal is to reach 30,000 hectares to attract juice industries to the state.
For now, the expansion is hindered by a lack of specialized labor.
Services such as Senar (National Rural Learning Service) are already offering training courses for work in citrus farming.
In three years, the sector is expected to generate about 2,000 jobs.