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PT_BR 
SAO PAULO, Dec 1 (Reuters) – Mato Grosso's 2025/26 cotton crop was estimated on Monday at 2.58 million tons of lint, a decrease of 1.74% compared to the November forecast, according to a survey by the Mato Grosso Institute of Agricultural Economics (Imea).
The decline is due to an adjustment in the planted area to 1.43 million hectares, representing a reduction of 7.28% compared to that recorded in the 2024/25 crop.
"As pointed out in previous reports, there was already an initial forecast of a reduction in planted area by several producers, based on the challenging profitability of the crop, due to current price levels and higher production costs," said the institute linked to the producers.
Furthermore, the climatic challenges for soybeans in some locations are putting even more pressure on defining the area for cotton, which is generally planted after the oilseed harvest.
The state is the largest producer of soybeans, cotton, and corn in Brazil.
For soybeans, the harvest was estimated at 47.18 million tons, unchanged from the November forecast.
"The accumulated rainfall during November in Mato Grosso increased compared to October in most of the state, which reduced water stress and favored the development of crops in several regions," said Imea, noting that the distribution of rainfall remains irregular in some areas.
Imea also maintained its projection for corn at 51.72 million tons.
(By Roberto Samora)
