Productive performance of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) in the Maranhense Mesorregions of the Amazon Biome

Abstract

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a cultivar that is widely distributed in the mesoregions of the state of Maranhão in Brazil, and is highly prized for its value as a food crop, economic sphere and social and cultural contribution. In addition, the species is adaptable to different biomes, culminating in its agricultural expansion throughout the country. In this context, the aim of this study is to highlight the socio-economic importance of cassava in the mesoregions of Maranhão that cover the Amazon Biome, since both agriculture and livestock farming have an impact on the use and preservation of this area. To this end, a statistical analysis was carried out using the IBGE Automatic Retrieval System (SIDRA) for the 2015-2022 inter-annual period for the mesoregions of North, West and Central Maranhão, including the Biome under study, in terms of productivity. As a result, it was possible to see a sharp drop in cassava production in the Northeast, from 816.259 ha-1 (2010) to 390.472 ha-1 (2022) of planted area, a reduction of 52,17%. In addition, the pattern of decline followed for harvested area, quantity produced and average yield. In summary, despite the respective importance of cassava, the crop faces major challenges as it competes with other economically valuable crops for arable land, as well as competition from strong cattle farming. The fact is that just producing cassava is not enough to sustain it. It is necessary to master the practices and techniques that optimize the cassava agricultural production system.