O cacau na Bahia

Resumo

            The author begins by emphasizing the importance of cacao in the Brazilian economy as this product occupies the second place in the commercial production of Brazil.

            The State of Bahia is the greatest producer of cacao, contributing with more than 90% of the Brazilian total; the ideal conditions appear in that State, either in what concerns to climate or to soils.

            The author shows, in his paper, a map of the distribution of cacao, according to its density, in the State of Bahia.

            The cacao-producing region appears in a continuous belt along the littoral, from the south of the Recôncavo to the border with the State of Espírito Santo. In this region, climatic conditions and soils are favorable.

            Within this cacao-producing region, a zone appears in which the production is even higher: the zone of Ilhéus, Itabuna, Canavieiras and Belmonte. Brazilian cacao is exported in the form of nuts, a small part of the production being industrialized in the country.

            The ports through which the product is exported are: Salvador and Ilhéus.

            In his article, the author, furthermore, makes some considerations on the economical and social aspects of the cacao-producing region.

            In said region, monoculture predominates, i.e., only cacao is planted and this situation causes serious difficulties to the zone because almost all goods necessary to the population must be imported.

            The author calls the attention of the reader to the role river margin places represent in

the life of the region. They constitute the centers of the regional life and practically live in

function of the production of cacao.

            In ending his paper, the author emphasizes the importance of the Institute of Cacao, created in 1931, which assists the planters through loans, teaching of new methods of cultivation and transport of the product. The Institute also is uncharged of the construction of roads in the region.