CULTIVATION AND PROCESSING OF Manihot esculenta Crantz. BY FAMILY FARMERS OF THE AÇAIZAL COMMUNITY IN THE CITY OF MONTE ALEGRE, STATE OF PARÁ

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The present study aimed to understand and describe how the agricultural and processing practices employed in the manioc (Manihot esculenta Crantz.) cultivation system are carried out by the farmers of the Açaizal community, in the city of Monte Alegre, in the state of Pará. The investigation took place during 15 days, through a form applied in 21 production units and follow-up at the site of the stages of harvesting, processing and sale of manioc flour. The access to the productive units happened by means of motorcycle and hiking, these latter in stretches of difficult access. The results indicated that the agricultural practices adopted by farmers in the manioc cultivation system is derived from knowledge acquired and passed on between generations, with flour being the main source of income, as well as being part of the diet of the families studied. It was observed in the family units that the system of cutting and burning of the vegetation has raised concern in the farmers for the continuation of the practices of cultivation of manioc for the next generations because of your perception of the impoverishment of the soil.KEYWORDS: Family Farming, Amazon, Manioc Flour, Production System.