Crop profit comparative analysis, yerba mate in relation to soybeans in the north Plateau of Santa Catarina

Abstract

Due to the importance of yerba mate and soybean crops in the region, a study of the cost values and the financial return of yerba mate production is essential as a way of diversifying the property, making it more profitable. The development of a consultation tool for decision-making regarding crop diversification and comparatives brings farmers and rural investors with decision-making tools based on average real values according to region and reality. The objective of this study was to analyze and compare the profitability for one hectare of mate and soybean in the plateau region of Santa Catarina. The research was quantitative and with exploratory and descriptive objectives. In the data analysis, the financial analysis of Net Present Value (NPV) was performed. The results obtained indicated that in a 10-year period of the two activities, yerbamate, despite requiring longer time between investment and economic return was financially higher. Yerba-mate culture has its return on investment in the fifth year after planting. Soybeans maintain profitability with each crop, and should make investments for annual production, while yerbamate, there is greater investment in the first year, and decreases inversions from the second year, only to keep plants growing, and stabilizes production in the ninth grade. It is concluded that yerbamate has higher financial return compared to soybeans.

Keywords: Financial Analysis. Agriculture. Profitability. Regional Developmente.