Third Argentine peanut production estimate
Shell peanut production in Argentina sees decrease of 3.4%
The estimated yield for in shell peanut is 29.4 qq / ha, 10% higher than that reached in the season 2012/2013.
The production cut from the previous cycle is attributed not only to the number of hectares lost, but also to the delay in the gathering tasks due to the prevailing weather conditions in May.
The poor weather conditions, rains and high prevailing relative humidity during April and May, have not been beneficial to the normal drying of the pods. The delay in days between the digging and the harvest deepened, making possible losses in the yield and deterioration in the peanut quality
To date, there are reports of losses of around 7,661 hectares of peanut in Cordoba. The main causes are flooding (Departments Juarez Celman – Pte. Roque S. Peña - Rio Segundo), drought (Department General Roca), and hail (Tercero Arriba).
Zonal peanut referents agree that beyond the lost acres due to the reasons mentioned above, the biggest problem that is being seen is the loss of production because of the delay in the gathering tasks.
Once threshing is able to resume as usual, complications are expected, such as pod detachment, sprouted kernels, fungus in kernels; and it should be evaluated for the presence of aflatoxins in them.
Yields are good, with lots of up to 50 qq / ha with very good kernels /pods relation, but of relative quality, moisture higher than 18%, and high percentage of loose kernels.
The GPW’s agronomists believe that the harvest will be slow, if these conditions prevail. We believe that the central peanut area of Argentina has a delay of 20 to 25 days regarding last season, being more significant towards the central and south region.
GPW estimated a general harvest progress which did not exceed 20% till June 8, 2014.
For more information:
Andres Harilaos Georgalos
Georgalos Peanut World
Tel/Fax: +54 (0) 3572 42 1809
Email: ahgeorgalos@arnet.com.ar