Controle biológico para redução de custos na rizicultura

Abstract

Irrigated rice production in the Lower São Francisco region of Sergipe plays a significant socioeconomic role but faces increasing production costs, particularly those related to pesticide use. In this context, this study aimed to analyze the potential of biological control as a strategy to reduce pesticide-related costs in irrigated rice systems. The research was based on primary data collected directly from rice farmers in the municipalities of Brejo Grande, Ilha das Flores, and Propriá, complemented by secondary scientific sources. Conventional and agroecological production systems were characterized, and the share of pesticides in total production costs and agricultural revenue was quantified. Based on these data, scenarios of partial substitution of chemical pesticides by biological agents were simulated, considering conservative reduction rates of 30%, 40%, and 50%, supported by scientific evidence. The results indicated that pesticides represent a significant portion of variable costs in the conventional system and show a strong positive correlation with total production costs. The simulated scenarios demonstrated potential cost reductions and improvements in economic margins, suggesting that the integration of biological control into crop management may contribute to greater economic and environmental sustainability in rice farming.