DIAGNOSTIC OF TOMATO PRODUTION IN GOIANÁPOLIS, GOIÁS, BRAZIL

Abstract

This study was concerned with high utilization of pesticides in tomato production, its cost, profitability and enviromental and humam impacts, in the Region of Goianápolis, GO. The data coverd the 1999-2000 harvest. The results show that, amongst the 29 pesticides used by farmers, seven are extremely dangerous, four are very dangerous; eight are dangerous and ten are less dangerous, to human health and the enviroment. Tomatoe producers apply these pesticides, on the average, three times per week. Pesticide containers are disposed in three ways: burnned, burried ou sent to the county sanitary deposit. The Long Life type of tomato presented avergage productivity of 174 boxes/one thousand plants and the Santa Cruz type 130 boxes/one thousand plants. This type of tomatoe production costs were 3.58% higher than the Santa Cruz variety average productivity was 167 boxes/one thousand plants or 56.98 tons/hectare. The tomatoe production markets are the Ceasas in Goiânia and Anápolis and direct sales to buyers from several States. In this case farmers have no waranty that they will receive for their sales to other states. Payment is made by pre-dated check based on the buyers trust. But, it is not unusual to observe cases where final payment is not made and the producers assume total loss.