“Recently, Anvisa approved millet as a whole grain, and can be used in flours…”
Juca Matielo is the commercial director of ATTO Sementes, with a degree in agronomic engineering, with a postgraduate degree in seed production and technology from the Federal University of Pelotas, and an MBA in Business Management from FGV.
AgriBrasilis – How profitable is millet farming?
Juca Matielo – The ADRG 9060 and ADRG 9070 grain hybrids provide farmers with direct income from selling grain to the market (to farms, feedlots, pig farmers, among others) and also increase yields in subsequent crops. For example, in soybeans, they increase yields by 3.5 bags when compared to soybeans planted after other off-season crops. This is because millet is a great nutrient recycler, reduces nematodes and produces high-quality straw.
AgriBrasilis – Although it is the sixth most important grain in the world, many people are unfamiliar with millet. What are its potential uses and in which regions is the plant cultivated?
Juca Matielo – Millet has several uses, such as grain production (an important base for poultry, swine and feedlot feed), silage production, pre-drying and forage. ATTO has a specific millet hybrid for all these markets. Recently, Anvisa approved millet as a whole grain, which can be used in flours, breads and biscuits for human consumption, a market in which millet is growing due to its nutritional qualities, in addition to being gluten-free. In Brazil, it can be cultivated in all regions thanks to its resilience to water stress and because it does well in all types of soil.
“This is because millet is a great nutrient recycler, reduces nematodes and produces high-quality straw”
AgriBrasilis – What soil and climate conditions are ideal for growing this plant?
Juca Matielo – Millet is highly adaptable, does well in all types of soil and is considered an ideal tropical crop for the summer.
AgriBrasilis – Can millet achieve good yields in sandy soils?
Juca Matielo – Yes, due to its origin, it has a deep root system (which can reach up to 3.5 meters) and is abundant, seeking moisture and nutrients where other crops cannot reach. But it is clear that we must follow the management recommendations so that the plant materials can express their productive potential.
AgriBrasilis – In what ways can growing millet help against nematode infestations?
Juca Matielo – In the case of grain hybrids (ADRG 9060 and ADRG 9070), both reduce the population of the main nematode (Pratylenchus brachyurus), which causes major production losses in soybean crops.
AgriBrasilis – Why is grain millet considered the “ideal post-harvest substitute for corn” in Brazil?
Juca Matielo – The grain millet hybrids (ADRG 9060 and ADRG 9070) are not substitutes for off-season corn. In most situations, they are planted when there is a risk for corn, that is, in the planting “window” from February 25th to March 10th. What occurs is a complementarity in the planning of planting in the off-season. It is not that millet hybrids cannot be planted earlier, especially since they are recommended for planting from February 1st to March 10th, but we know that from February 1st to February 25th at the latest, farmers have opted for corn. After this period, the safest and most profitable option is millet hybrids.
AgriBrasilis – With climate change, do you believe that this grain will gain more space in Brazil?
Juca Matielo – Millet certainly has great potential to gain more space in Brazil as climate change intensifies. It stands out for its ability to thrive in conditions of low water availability, a problem that is becoming more common due to climate change. Its efficiency in water use makes it an ideal choice in regions that face longer periods of drought or irregular rainfall.
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