Panorama de agrotóxicos no Brasil e a realidade no Estado do Paraná: da regulamentação e consumo ao combate à ilegalidade e implicações para a sustentabilidade agrícola

Abstract

The potency of Brazilian agriculture is accompanied by the elevated use of agrochemicals. In this context, the present study investigated the complex problem of agrochemicals in Brazil, with a special focus on the state of Paraná, through an analysis structured into three articles. These addressed the dynamics of consumption, the regulation of use, and the combat against the illegal trade of agrochemicals, offering an integrated view of the challenges and opportunities for agricultural sustainability. The study verified, firstly, that Brazil is the largest global consumer of these products, a position driven by the expansion of agriculture and the growing pursuit of productivity. In Paraná, the analysis revealed the predominance of herbicide use, particularly glyphosate, especially in soybean and maize crops, generating serious environmental and public health concerns. Furthermore, it reinforced the urgency of a transition to agricultural models more aligned with Sustainable Rural Development (SRD). Simultaneously, the work highlighted the challenges in combating the illegal agrochemical market. Data from apprehensions carried out by the BPFron (Border Police Battalion) between 2019 and 2024 demonstrated a significant volume of illicit products in use in Brazil, with more than 54.7 thousand kg and 38.3 thousand L confiscated. The majority of these inputs originated from Paraguay, which confirmed the Triple Frontier as the main entry point. A critical obstacle identified was the low rate of identification of the seized products, largely due to transportation in improvised and damaged packaging. In conclusion, the study pointed out that the illegal agrochemical market is facilitated by regulatory disparities among Mercosur countries and by the cooperation dynamics between the twin cities. To address this scenario, the study recommends the homogenization of laws, investment in infrastructure and training for inspection bodies, and the implementation of effective traceability mechanisms for phytosanitary products.