DIAGNOSIS AND PLANNING FOR DIVERSIFICATION OF A PRODUCTION SYSTEM BASED ON TOBACCO CULTURE

Abstract

The objective of this study was to analyze and evaluate the agricultural potential of a rural property located in Cerro Grande do Sul, state of RS, Brazil, considering the available natural resources and regional socioeconomic conditions. The study analyzed a family production system based on tobacco crop, and diversification proposals for enhancing the sustainability of the system were presented. The proposals aimed at, in addition to technical improvements, the reduction of economic dependence of the family in relation to tobacco cultivation. Four years later, when returning to the property, it was possible to examine the impacts of proposed actions and discuss the operational feasibility of the actions, difficulties found, and the then existing prospects. Some proposals have been adopted, for example, the reduction of soil preparation operations. However, the area planted with tobacco was not reduced, although the cropping system has been improved. The main reasons given by farmers for not adopting the proposals were the lack of technical support and shortage of labor. The collaboration between teachers, college students, agricultural extension agents, and farmers, in the contexts of production, may contribute to the establishment of more sustainable production systems. However, there is a need for a continued and constructed work, with the effective participation of farmers.