Caterpillar infestation devastates pastures and turns rural properties into cattle 'cemeteries' in Roraima
The losses caused by the death of 7,000 cattle and the destruction of pastures due to caterpillar infestations total R$63 million, according to government estimates as of this Tuesday (25).
The proliferation of caterpillars is related to several environmental and climatic factors - Photo Reproduction/Caíque Rodrigues/g1 RR
An infestation of caterpillars is transforming the rural landscape of Roraima and causing serious damage to livestock producers in the region. The green appearance of the fields on rural properties may suggest that everything is in order, but don't be fooled; the pasture that supports the cattle is in short supply. As a result, more than 7 thousand weakened cattle died of hunger. In 10 of the state's 15 municipalities, weeds known as killer pasture dominated the vegetation and attracted pests such as caterpillars.
It is estimated that at least 50 thousand hectares of pastures on 840 properties in Roraima have been devastated since the beginning of May, around 40 days ago. The damage, to date, amounts to R$63 million in losses, including dead cattle and grass, according to government estimates. However, this value could be even higher, as teams continue to assess the damage in the field.
Faced with the situation, with the number of livestock deaths increasing daily, the government declared a state of emergency. The objective is to provide financial support to rural producers in the municipalities of Amajari, Alto Alegre, Bonfim, Cantá, Caracaraí, Iracema, Mucajaí, Pacaraima, Normandia and Uiramutã, the areas most affected by the problem.
Causes of Infestation
The proliferation of caterpillars is associated with a series of environmental and climatic factors. Climate change, with periods of drought followed by intense rain, creates ideal conditions for the reproduction of these insects. The lack of natural predators and inappropriate use of pesticides have also contributed to the uncontrolled increase in the caterpillar population. Experts classify the situation as an environmental imbalance caused by severe El Niño.
The main contributing elements include the historic drought and drought that plagued Roraima from January to March, resulting in the destruction or weakening of the pasture. Furthermore, the absence of predators to contain the caterpillar infestation since the start of the rainy season in April was also a determining factor. According to the agronomist and Embrapa researcher, Daniel Schurt, several species of caterpillars are causing significant damage to pastures, with emphasis on the corn armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) and the grass leafworm (Mocis latipes ).
Schurt attributes the increase in these pests to the reduction in the population of their natural predators during the dry period, which allowed their populations to grow uncontrolled. He also highlights the connection between the caterpillar outbreak, environmental imbalance and the El Niño phenomenon.
Impact on Agriculture and Livestock
One farmer helping a calf weak from hunger to get up amidst the weeds that grow in place of grass - Photo Reproduction/Caíque Rodrigues/g1 RR
Livestock farming is one of Roraima's main economic pillars, and the devastation of pastures and plantations is putting the livelihoods of many rural producers at risk. The proliferation of caterpillars is causing significant impacts not only on corn, cassava, bean and vegetable plantations on rural properties, but also affecting indigenous communities, such as in the Willimon region, located in the municipality of Uiramutã. Reports indicate that vast areas of cultivation were completely devastated by the caterpillars.
Renan Macuxi, agronomist at the Environmental Department of the Indigenous Council of Roraima, clarified that producers in the affected region are facing losses, but have the possibility of recovering traditional seeds to propagate and distribute them among the affected indigenous communities. Regarding food shortages, he stated that it does not represent a serious problem, as communities still have alternatives to increase their consumption of natural foods.
Containment Measures
Daniel Schurt states that the key to facing challenges such as pests and pasture shortages lies in preparing for environmental disasters and adopting preventative measures. He suggests that producers receive training to deal with adversities such as droughts, floods and pest outbreaks. According to the researcher, it is essential that farmers and ranchers are prepared for these eventualities, seeking guidance from research and extension institutions. Schurt recommends pasture diversification, crop rotation, frequent soil analysis and familiarization with control methods, including the controlled use of insecticides and constant vigilance against pests.
To obtain the financial benefit created by the government, the rural producer needs to obtain a diagnosis from the Institute of Technical Assistance and Rural Extension (Iater) that proves the loss. The state offers two options: it can directly purchase the inputs and supply them to the producer, or the producer can receive the money at the bank and purchase the inputs at the store of their choice, presenting the corresponding tax coupon.
