| Abstract |
This paper reviews and analyzes economic returns to wheat research in Brazil's main wheat-producing regions in Rio Grande do SuI and Paranci. Between 1975 and 1991, the area planted to wheat in Brazil increased significantly and yields grew at a yearly rate of about 3.8%. The expanded wheat area and increased productivity resulted from a technological package that included soil management, chemicals, and new cultivars. Experimental cultivars developed by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), and research institutions that preceded it, played an important role in raising productivity. From 1975 to 1990, research investments in Rio Grande do Sui, totaled US$ 65.1 million. The net benefit from this investment was US$ 662.7 million, yielding an internal rate of return of 69%. In Paranci, research investments totaled US$ 31.7 million from 1977 to 1991, resulting in a net benefit of US$ 593.8 million and an internal rate of return of 77%. The net benefits emphasize the effectiveness of research investments and the impact of new technologies, including new cultivars developed through research. These benefits also justify continuing investment in wheat research by CIMMYT and the Brazilian government to develop technologies that will help producers increase production and productivity. |
ICAR Research Data Repository for Knowledge Management