Miguel and his agricultural yields

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By: Enrique Portuondo Tamayo

Havana Province, Cuba. – “The first thing for a good crop is soil preparation; then seed selection and later good care of plants.” That is the assessment of Miguel Garcia, a 58 year-old peasant, on the productive results in 2009 of the “Rafael Rodriguez Santana” CPA in 2009. That Agricultural Cooperative is located in the municipality of Alquizar, in Havana Province. 
 
That CPA is one of the most renowned in the country. Its success results from the dedication of its associates in the cultivation of vegetables and root-crops like potatoes, taros, sweet potatoes and bananas. Their products have been praised by their buyers, who cater for the population of Havana Province and the Cuban capital. 
 
“High yields are the secret to success and if we don't pursue that goal, we cannot contribute to the country” said Garcia, who also serves as advisor to the Executive Committee of the Council of Ministers. He and Juan Gomez, a fellow farmer, are among the few decorated by the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Association of Small Farmers (ANAP). 
 
This CPA produced 6 000 quintals per acre of island taro with the national pink flesh variety, which made it a national leader in this activity. The analyst, former president of this cooperative, affirmed that this is the result of proper land care and good seed selection.  

“We work for the people and defend what has been conquered.” Those were the last words of this straightforward man with graying hair and medium height, who loves farming. 

Translated by: Pedro A. Fanego

( 03.12.2009 10:13 AM )