Eficiencia del proceso de producción de semillas de soja : un estudio de caso en el Paraguay, en el departamento de Caaguazú

Abstract

The soybeans, Glycine max (L) Merr, are a crop of great importance globally and nationally, with Paraguay as the world’s sixth largest producer, and with soy as her most important productive sector by extent of cultivation, volume of production and value of exports. Furthermore, one notes an increase in the production, yields, and development of the industry, with 37% of the output currently processed for domestic consumption. The goal of this paper is to evaluate the system of quality management of seeds implemented in the industry and the quality produced in the region. The types of seed analysis used are: purity testing; tetrazolium testing, for viability and vigor; and warm standard germination. This case study sought to characterize the quality standards produced in Caaguazú Department, through analysis of data from four years of production planning, seed processing and marketing. The data obtained is quite useful for the business to make improvements in its management system, including the production of 2000 kg / ha, processing of 25% of waste, and a 94% germination quality.