Spatial Distribution and Sources of Growth of Dairy Farming in the State of Pará, Brazil

Abstract

The characterization of dairy farming is fundamental for the sector, as the information obtained directs institutional and public policy actions, which contribute to the development of the milk production chain. The objective of this research was to highlight and analyze two points: identify the spatial concentration of production and investigate the existence of centers specializing in milk production; evaluate the sources of growth in dairy farming in micro-regions of Pará and verify their participation in the growth and productivity of the herd. Regarding specialization in milk production, in the initial year of the study, there were nine specialized micro-regions; however, in the final year, only six fell into this classification, being Parauapebas, Marabá, Tucuruí, Redenção, São Félix do Xingu, and Altamira. Southeastern Pará stands out as the main dairy hub in the state, which encompasses municipalities with a tradition in dairy farming, such as Água Azul do Norte, the largest state producer since 2012. The effective growth in milk production from the 1990s to 2020 showed an increase in state production of 3.23% per year, with a greater contribution to this growth in herd productivity gains than in relation to the expansion of the herd; however, ten micro-regions presented a negative average annual growth rate, being located in the Northeast of Pará, Marajó, and the Metropolitan Region of Belém, a result resulting from the reduction of the herd expansion effect, as the productivity effect of all micro-regions exhibited positive rates, with the exception of Cametá and Arari. The sharpest decline occurred in Arari, with a sharp drop in milk production, number of animals milked, and cow yield. The twelve micro-regions with positive annual rates are located in the mesoregions of Southeast Pará, Southwest Pará, and Baixo Amazonas, nine associated with intensive growth and three more linked to extensive growth. In general, the results show that the regions specialized in the activity are more articulated, presenting the highest percentages in terms of quantity produced, herd milked, and financial movement, compared to non-specialized locations. Through analyses, it is possible to obtain a better understanding of the regional growth process, with a focus on dairy activity, as the information and particularities of properties are fundamental to guide public and private institutions on the reality and existing problems, enabling readjustment and new policy formulations with the aim of alleviating producers’ limitations, as well as enhancing growth and reducing intra- and inter-regional imbalances.