Os recursos hídricos no agronegócio brasileiro: Uma análise insumo-produto do uso, consumo, eficiência e intensidade^*

Abstract

In this paper, in agribusiness, the use and consumption of water, as well as the level of efficiency and intensity of water in relation to income and employment are analyzed. To do this, the Environmental Water Accounts with the country’s input-output matrix of 2015 are disaggregated and reconciled. Agribusiness activities account for 18,85% of water use and 90% of the country’s water consumption. The best indices of efficiency and intensity of income and employment generation highlighted, in relation to the use of water, the agribusiness and, in water consumption, agri-services. The rates of consumption and the rates of return of water to the environment show that, for each hm³/year of water used, in agriculture and cattle raising, 70,45% is incorporated in its production and 29,55% returns to the environment; and, in the agroindustry, the consumption rate is 54,58% and return 45,42%. Therefore, if we consider that agribusiness is a major exporter of food for the international market, we can also affirm that, through its exports, it supplies significant volumes of water resources to the world economy.