Producers in Alto Paraná are optimistic about the possibility of a record-breaking corn harvest this season, but the final outcome hinges on a crucial weather condition: no frosts until mid-June.
The crop, which covers more than 400,000 hectares in the department, is developing healthily so far, with no reports of pests or serious issues, after overcoming an early growth stage marked by water stress.
Rubén Sanabria, an engineer with the Alto Paraná Agricultural Coordinating Body, stated that the outlook is highly favorable. "We are seeing strong development and could reach an export record. There are no pests, conditions are favorable, and we have excellent seed varieties," he said.
Expectations are to meet both domestic demand—with sales directed toward pig and cattle fattening—and external markets, especially Brazil, one of the largest regional buyers of Paraguayan corn.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), international corn prices have risen due to reduced seasonal supply, climate concerns in Brazil, and planting difficulties in certain areas of the United States. Demand for ethanol and easier access to fertilizers have also provided additional support to prices, reinforcing the prospect of record export volumes for Paraguay.