INCENTIVES TO THE FRUIT PRODUCTION AND THE CHANGES IN THE AGRICULTURAL OF THE NORTHERN REGION OF RIO DE JANEIRO

The agricultural economy of the North region of Rio de Janeiro is historically dependent on sugarcane production. In an attempt to reduce such dependence, incentives for the development of fruit production in the region have been adopted, particularly through the “Frutificar” Program (Bear fruit Program). This research aims to evaluate the impacts of the mentioned program, especially its contribution to increase the fruits production and raise the diversification of regional agriculture. The analysis was performed by using the shift-share model, geometric rates of growth and the Diversification Index. It was observed reduction in agricultural area of ??the region, particularly associated with the fall in areas cultivated with sugar cane, rice, corn and beans. In the period of the “Frutificar” Program incentives, there were an increase in the production of pineapple, banana and coconut, which contributed to the diversification of the regional agricultural economy. However, this economy still remains heavily dependent on sugarcane.

economy; fruit production; diversification