The adoption of improved bean varieties in Brazil

Dry beans are one of the most important food items for the poor of Brazil. To support the role of beans in the diet, EMBRAPA (the Brazilian agricultural research organization) and CIAT (the international agricultural research center with the mandate for bean improvement) have put considerable emphasis on generating improved bean technology. An adoption survey was held to evaluate the improved bean varieties released in the states of Espirito Santo, Goias, Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro. Of a total bean area of 812,000 ha 75 percent is planted with improved varieties. Carioca, a variety released by the Instituto Agronomico de Campinas is the most widely grown variety, grown on 48 percent of the area. Other national varieties were grown on 2 percent of the area. The varieties developed in collaboration between EMBRAPA-CNPAF, the state institutions and CIAT were planted on 25 percent of the bean area. In monoculture, the CNPAF-state-CIAT varieties contribute most to yield increases, roughly 195 kg/ha. In mixed cropping, Carioca contributed 196 kg/ha to yield increases and the CNPAF-state-CIAT varieties 128 kg/ha. The monetary impact of the improved varieties is estimated at over US$ 40 million for the year 1991, of which 45 percent pertains to the CNPAF-state-CIAT varieties. Both Carioca and the CNPAF-state-CIAT varieties have not yet reached their adoption ceiling. Some varieties, such as EMGOPA-Ouro, Serrano and Xodo are expected to continue their diffusion rapidly. In two states, a number of varieties spread simultaneously through the population, which suggests that multiple release strategies are very feasible. There were no significant differences between adopters and non-adopters of improved varieties, with the exception of the preference of producers with irrigation for Carioca. The widespread adoption of Carioca is due to its easy marketability, as well as its agronomic characteristics. The varieties developed between CNPAF, state agencies and CIAT appear agronomically superior, but commercially inferior. As a result, these varieties are often found on less commercial, less capitalized farms