THE ADVANCE OF CULTIVATION OF TOBACCO IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF PRUDENTOPLIS - PR: A CASE STUDY OF THE DECADE 2000

Abstract

This article aims to investigate the expansion of cultivation areas of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacun) in Prudentópolis - PR being authoritative two distinct periods, the 2000/2001 season and 2010/2011 season. Today tabacoo cultivation is very controversial because it is a plant that has suffered restrictions on the use and legal requirements for its planting. Its ever-increasing production is supported by the integrated production system, which, in turn, is very well organized in this sector. This integrated system helps thousands of small farmers in Prudentópolis, serving as an economic alternative of families that work in this activity. The locations of the rural areas were analyzed and mapped from official data on tobacco production, provided by relevant organizations of the agricultural sector, and specifically the tobacco sector. It was also analyzed through field research how the tobacco farmers in their daily living activities that are exerting a higher economic compared to other traditional cultivations developed in the city, since tabacco demands small areas of land to be produced making, therefore that the workforce be reduced in relation to other agricultural activities. It was found that even with restrictions on tobacco use, this activity has increased, causing an increase of around 78% in the number of producers over the period studied.