EVOLUTION OF CASSAVA CULTIVATION IN BRAZIL, TOCANTINS, AND PARAÍSO DO TOCANTINS (2017–2024)

Abstract

Cassava is one of the most important agricultural crops in Brazil, with strong socioeconomic relevance, especially for family farming. Its wide adaptation to the country's climatic and edaphic conditions ensures its presence in practically all Brazilian regions, playing an essential role in food security and income generation. This study aimed to analyze the evolution of cassava cultivation in Brazil, in the state of Tocantins, and in the municipality of Paraíso do Tocantins, considering historical data of the planted area, harvested area, production, and productivity between 2017 and 2024. The research was descriptive and quantitative in nature, based on secondary data obtained from official sources such as IBGE, CONAB, and Agrolink. The information was organized and processed in spreadsheets, with the creation of comparative graphs that highlighted the evolution of the crop at different geographic scales. The results indicated a reduction in the harvested area at the national level, associated with its replacement by more profitable crops such as soybeans and corn. Despite this, there was a gradual increase in productivity, driven by technological advances and genetic improvement In Tocantins, production remained stable and yields were above the national average. In Paraíso do Tocantins, the cultivated area remained constant, with moderate variations in productivity, influenced by climatic and technological factors. It concludes that cassava continues to play a strategic role in the economy and agricultural sustainability, being essential for income generation and the strengthening of family farming. Improving technical assistance and encouraging public policies are fundamental for the sustainable and competitive development of the crop.