Farmers in the interior of Piauí are testing a new way of producing carnauba by growing the palm tree along with corn, beans, cassava, cashew and annatto. The initiative seeks to diversify production, increase family income and recover degraded areas through an integrated cultivation system.
In Piauí, the Productive and Sustainable Efficiency Areas (AEPS) were implemented in the Estreito Settlement, in Piripiri, and in the Corredores Resettlement, in Campo Maior.
In Settlement Estreito, 12 families participate directly in the project. Each cultivates around one hectare with carnauba and other species from different production cycles.
When the system reaches full production, the expectation is that each hectare will generate an average annual income equivalent to eight minimum wages per family. The estimate considers the combined production of carnauba and other crops grown in the area.
The model was developed by the Carnaúba and Sustainable Development Project and implemented by a German federal company, in partnership with companies in the carnauba wax production chain.
Carnaúba shares space with food
Farmer Maria Francisca de Sousa, 47 years old, has lived in Assentamento Estreito for almost 30 years and participates in the initiative. According to her, carnauba extraction occurs mainly between October and November and, depending on the characteristics of the area, up to 625 seedlings can be planted per hectare.
In the other months, families cultivate other species to ensure food production. Much of it is intended for family consumption.
“Outside of the carnauba harvest, we grow corn, beans, rice, cassava, pumpkin and gherkin, but we can’t sell it,” said Maria Francisca.
The project also plans to train communities to produce their own seedlings. The objective is to expand local autonomy and reduce the costs of establishing new areas.
"We didn't have this knowledge of associating several things together. Now we are committed, believing that it will work", said the farmer.
Part of the seedlings used in the implementation was supplied by nurseries maintained by associations, while another part was acquired from private nurseries.
First harvests have already been harvested
The work does not end with planting the seedlings. Families receive technical support for the management, maintenance and monitoring of the areas.
Agricultural engineer Rodrigo Diógenes accompanies the workshops and the implementation of the project. According to him, the proposal is to combine farmers' knowledge with techniques developed based on studies and specialized assistance.
"Monitoring continues after planting, with guidance on management, maintenance and monitoring. And everything we do is a combination of local knowledge with scientific knowledge and agroecological technologies, creating solutions adapted to the reality of the semi-arid region", explained Rodrigo.
As crops have different production cycles, the first harvests have already been harvested. Corn and beans have already generated production for families. Cassava must be harvested the following year after planting. Fruits such as cashew, acerola and cajá are expected to begin producing between the second and third year.
In the case of carnauba, the first cut is scheduled for the fourth year of cultivation.
Project foresees expansion to new communities
The first phase of the project was carried out between 2021 and 2024. During this period, more than 4 thousand workers and producers participated in training in 39 municipalities. Personal protective equipment kits were also distributed and technical, legal and accounting assistance was offered to the communities served.
The second phase began in March 2025 and should continue until February 2028. The proposal is to expand actions in carnaúba producing areas in Piauí, Ceará, Rio Grande do Norte and Maranhão.
"One of the main objectives of the project is for AEPS to function as a demonstration and multiplier area. The proposal is to allow other communities to learn about the model, monitor its results and be able to replicate it in new areas of Piauí", said agricultural engineer Rodrigo Diógenes.
Among the goals are the implementation of three new AEPS, serving at least 15 communities and supporting nine reference properties.
