Growth in the prairies
Article Abstract:
Farmers have colonized Matto Grosso state in Brazil, the where soil is poor and extensive farming is practised on large farms using a high chemical input. Cotton, soya, rice, sugar and maize are grown in the state, and soya has become the largest export of Brazil, displacing coffee. Transportation links are poor, but a railroad is to be opened to link the south east of the state with a track running to Santos port. Farmers are also affected by a shortage of credit, and when this has been tackled the state could help Brazil to increase its farm output by 100% over five years.
Publication Name: The Economist (UK)
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0013-0613
Year: 1999
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Farming after the hurricane
Article Abstract:
Crops losses resulting from Hurricane Mitch may not be as serious as feared in Honduras and Nicaragua, but sand has been deposited on farmland, and soil has been washed away from hillsides. This creates problems when food production is growing less rapidly than the population. Subsistence farmers face more of problem than do big companies. Roads have to repaired so that crops can be exported, and there is a shortage of machinery for road repairs. Officials in both countries estimate that it will take some five years for farms to recover.
Publication Name: The Economist (UK)
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0013-0613
Year: 1999
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