Comparative analysis of sugarcane production costs among the main producing cities in Brazil

摘要

The objective of this study is to identify the cost variables of sugarcane cultivation, which present significant differences in their means among the main producing regions in Brazil. The study is characterized as quantitative, descriptive, and documental. To reach the objective, data from CONAB were used for the harvests from 2010/2011 to 2017/2018, and the Analysis of Variance (Anova) and Scott Knott test were used for data analysis. The results show that temporary labor was the most relevant cost in sugarcane culture, representing 26.83 of total costs, followed by depreciation, with 24.85, being the lowest cost the fixed labor, with 2.58 of the total average cost. Moreover, the city with the highest total cost per hectare was Visconde do Rio Branco/MG, whose value was approximately 210 higher than the lowest production cost of Penapolis/SP. All cost variables analyzed were statistically different for the cities surveyed, with emphasis on machinery rental, which showed high variability in its values, presenting a difference for all cities. This research contributes to the rural producers by showing the most significant costs in sugar cane production and by highlighting the variability that these costs may or may not present, indicating their values in each region. It is also expected to help managers in the elaboration and simulation of budgets and in the development of public policies and governmental programs. We conclude that cost management can increase profitability by helping managers to reduce costs, especially in agribusiness, where prices are determined by the buying market.