In the south of Minas Gerais, Brazil, the municipality of Turvolândia emerges as a primary producer of persimmons, accounting for nearly half of the state's output. With a cultivation area of 200 hectares, Turvolândia is projected to produce approximately 2,000 tons of persimmons this year, as reported by the Technical Assistance and Rural Extension Company of the State of Minas Gerais (Emater-MG). The harvest is anticipated to extend until July, with peak production in April and May.
An adult persimmon tree in a well-maintained orchard can yield between 100 to 150 kilos of fruit annually. The fruits are harvested when they transition from green to a yellow-red hue. However, climate change has posed challenges, with extreme weather events like droughts and floods threatening the plantations. Fábio Firmo, an Emater-MG extension agent, notes, "This year, we are expected to have a 20% smaller harvest due to climate problems. We had a lot of heat at the end of 2024, little rain, and, about a month ago, there was a hailstorm, which damaged some crops in the municipality."
At a recent event organized by Emater-MG and the Cooperativa Agrícola do Sul de Minas (Casm), around 100 participants, including rural producers and agricultural sector representatives, discussed persimmon cultivation. Deny Sanábio, Emater-MG's technical coordinator of fruit growing, highlighted the region's tradition of producing persimmons and the benefits of combining their cultivation with other fruits for income distribution.
Turvolândia is recognized as a fruit-growing hub, producing avocados, plums, atemoyas, guavas, oranges, peaches, and lychees. This agricultural activity, initiated by the Japanese colony in the 1970s, now supplies markets in São Paulo, Belo Horizonte, Espírito Santo, and even Canada, according to Firmo.
Deny emphasizes the importance of business management for fruit growers, while Casm's administrative manager, Marcelo Batista, underscores the role of cooperativism in enhancing market access and reducing costs. Currently, persimmons in the municipality are sold at approximately $0.38 per kilo.
The majority of Brazil's persimmons are consumed fresh, though they can be processed into vinegar and dried products. Sustainable practices, such as selecting climate-adapted cultivars and using organic fertilization, minimize environmental impact. Diversifying products, including juices and vinegars, broadens market opportunities and supports the local economy. Cooperative formations facilitate knowledge exchange and market access, ensuring farmer income and regional food security.
Source: Abrafrutas