Key Amazon grain route blocked by Indigenous protest over funding, Grainrail

The Kayapó Mekrãgnoti Indigenous blocakade of the BR 163 highways. Image courtesy of the Kabu Institute.On 17 August about a hundred Kayapó Mekrãgnoti Indigenous people launched an anti-government protest, blockading the BR-163 highway — a vital Brazilian grain commodities shipment route connecting the Amazon’s primary agricultural production region with consumers around the world. As of 23 August, the resulting traffic jam extended more than 20 miles, with only ambulances allowed to pass.According to a press release from the Kabu Institute, with which the Kayapó Mekrãgnoti are affiliated, the…