Viewpoints
Seed Distribution Center
A Concept Evolution in Seed Production
About the author
Coimbra graduated
with a degree in
agronomy and a PhD
in seed technology.
Currently, he is
associated professor
(level III in full-time), at
the Federal University
of Mato Grosso-Sinop
Unit, teaching classes
in seed production
and technology,
seed quality and
agriculture. He
has experience in
agronomy, specializing
in crop production,
and seed technology,
seed quality and the
industrial treatment
of seeds of soybeans,
cotton and corn. He is
also the coordinator
of the seed analysis
laboratory and
the specialist
postgraduate course
in seed and grain
production, as well as
the host of the “Mundo
Agro podcast.”
76 2021 Seed Treatment Special
By Rogério Coimbra, PhD
Professor at UFMT, Sinop Campus
The seed production
system is one of the most
important factors in the
Brazilian agribusiness
chain, involving sectors
ranging from seed supply,
the packaging industry,
and many professionals
specializing in production,
quality control, marketing
and distribution, among
others. This market
generated a revenue of
BRL10 billion in 2017 and
is currently generating
more than BRL20
billion, with soybean and
corn seed production
contributing 80% to this
revenue.
Brazil stands out as
one of the largest grain
producers in the world,
thereby, requiring large
volumes of high-quality
seeds and helping to
create new businesses
since a seed is an extremely perishable
and companies, in addition
to a vast number of jobs.
How can we increase the
quantity of seeds produced
without compromising
quality? To answer this
question, the focus
must be on research-
generated technology,
such as the development
of new materials adapted
to different regions with
tolerance and/or resistance
to pests and diseases and
increased productivity,
without the need to open
up new areas. However,
the logistics for storing and
distributing these seeds
remain a major bottleneck
in the seed production
system.
The difficulties faced by
the seed sector in terms
of storage and, especially,
distribution logistics can
cause serious problems,
MAIN PROBLEMS TO BE
product. This is due to the fact that
production is concentrated in specific
regions within states and around the
country where environmental conditions
enable the production of high-quality
seeds.
One way of solving this storage and
distribution problem is to increase the
range of production areas. However,
further relevant studies are required, such
as in terms of lower altitudes, temperature
increases at night, and encouraging plants
to spend more energy on the respiratory
process, thereby, leading to the production
of seeds that may be less vigorous. In
addition, the management of pests and
diseases will become more intense,
resulting in higher production costs.
Nevertheless, some regions offer good
environmental conditions, such as Lagoa
da Confusão in the state of Tocantins,
Brazil. Despite having an average altitude
of 200 meters (m) above sea level, this
region can produce high-quality seeds.
However, there are some problems
associated with high temperature
conditions, such as a high percentage of
soybean greenish seeds.
Another solution is the adoption of the
Seed Distribution Center (SDC) concept,
which was specifically developed for
the storage of seeds under controlled
temperature and relative humidity
conditions, in order to receive processed
seeds shortly before reaching the final
consumer, which is the rural producer. In
addition, an SDC can offer the necessary
equipment for the industrial treatment of
seeds.
Viewpoints
ADDRESSED
It is a fact that most rural
producers do not have adequate
seed storage facilities in their
properties, even for the short-term.
Currently, producers can access
information and are aware that
seed quality can decrease when
exposed to non-ideal storage and
transportation conditions. Therefore,
farmers do not accept seed lots
before the recommended sowing
period, thus, concentrating the seed
delivery season and causing serious
problems to the distribution of seed
lots before the sowing process.
The first problem occurs with
seed producing companies, because
the dispositions of seed lots stored
in warehouses does not always
correspond to orders that will be
sent, and the positions of seed
lots inside a warehouse have to be
constantly modified to allow access
to those to be loaded first.
The second issue is the availability
of vehicles, most notably trucks, for
transporting large volumes of bags
and sacks, since there is a high
demand for these vehicles during
the concentrated delivery period,
and consequently, the cost of freight
per ton of seeds transported will
increase.
The third problem is the distance
between the production unit and the
rural property, because the longer it
takes to deliver seeds the more they
2021 Seed Treatment Special 77