Emílio Pereira

Brazilian agricultural innovator who developed drought-resistant crops for arid regions

Emílio Pereira (1940-2010) was a Brazilian agronomist whose plant hybridization work transformed agriculture in semi-arid regions. Born in the sertão region of Bahia, he witnessed the devastating impact of recurring droughts on farming communities. After studying botany in São Paulo (1962), he dedicated his career to developing:

• Hybrid maize varieties with 70% water efficiency
• Legume crops thriving on marginal soils
• Integrated pest management systems

His 1972 breakthrough Caatinga 1000 corn strain became a staple crop in Brazil's northeast, increasing yields by 300%. The Emílio Pereira Foundation continues his work, having distributed over 5 million drought-resistant seeds annually since 1985. His methods are now used in 12 African countries through the FAO's Drylands Initiative.