Contribution of the Interuniversity Network for the Development of the Sucroenergy Sector in the State of São Paulo

Abstract

This work analyzes the economic contribution and territorial coverage of the Interuniversity Network for the Development of the Sucroenergy Sector (RIDESA) in the state of São Paulo, Brazil's main sugarcane producing hub. Through bibliographic review and analysis of data from recent varietal censuses, the impact of adopting "RB" varieties on the production chain was examined. The results demonstrate that RIDESA holds market leadership, occupying about 59% of the cultivated area in the region. The continuous introduction of new genotypes provides average genetic gains of 1% to 1.5% per year in agricultural productivity, resulting in the dilution of fixed and industrial costs. The study also highlights the strategic role of genetics in mitigating climatic risks, exemplified by the adoption of drought-tolerant cultivars in sandy soils, and in optimizing the harvest schedule through materials with different maturation cycles. It is concluded that the technology developed by RIDESA transcends productivity increases, consolidating itself as a fundamental factor for the competitiveness, energy security, and economic sustainability of the São Paulo sucroenergy sector.