Nearly40%of thesoybeanproducedin
MatoGrossoisshippedabroadthroughthe
NorthernArch,asetofports locatedinNorthBrazil
One of the most harrowing
problems faced by agriculture
inMato Grosso is gradually be-
ing solved. The logistics for
transporting the entire ag-
ricultural production from
the most remote corners
in Brazil to the Ocean,
has become more ef-
ficient, reducing dis-
turbances and costs,
thus increasing farmers’
profits. Data from the Mato
Grosso State Agricultural Econ-
omy Institute (Imea) show that from
January through August 2016 the ports
of Barcarena (PA), Santarém (PA), São Luís
(MA) and Manaus (AM) shipped 5.5 million tons,
about 38% of the total volumes exported. In the
meantime, 7.1 million tons were destined for the port of
Santos, little more than 47% of the total. Up to some time
ago, this situation was unthinkable.
The president of the Mato Grosso Soybean and Corn Growers’ As-
sociation (Aprosoja), Enrigo Dalcin, understands that the geography of the
State is going to divide the modals. “From Rondonópolis to the south, railway
transport to the ports of Santos and Paranaguá will get more competitive. From
Cuiabá to the north, the Northern Arch is the best option. Now, we need to conclude the
BR-163, whichwill connect the region of Lucas do Rio Verde toMiritituba, in Pará”, he says.
Now in the making, a railway that will run parallel with the BR-163. This competitiveness
between the modals should result, in the near future, in a substantial reduction of freight costs,
improving the scenario for those who produce. “Even if the context is not yet the ideal one, as there
is still a lot to be done, the shipment of the crop through the Northern Arch already represents gains of
approximately 10% as far as farm gate prices go”, comments Dalcin. Data available in mid-September 2016
pointed to average prices of R$ 245 per ton of roadway freight from Sorriso to the Port of Santos.
The Northern Arch anticipates the construction of 96 ports in Rondônia, Amazonas, Amapá, Maranhão and Bahia
for transporting the crops produced in Brazil’s Mid North, located above parallel 16. Now, this region accounts for about
60% of the grain crops grown in Brazil.
Archof
triumph
111
