Machado Ventura Applauds Strengthening of Cuban Farmers’ Organization

José Ramón Machado Ventura, Second Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba and Vice-President of the Councils of State and Ministers claimed on Sunday that the National Association of Small Farmers (ANAP) is today stronger than ever before. Speaking to delegates at the closing of the 11th Congress of the peasant organization -founded 56 years ago by the leader of the Cuban Revolution Fidel Castro- Machado Ventura said that ANAP gains momentum at present when Cuba is engaged in updating its economic model.  

He claimed that it is noticeable the growth of its membership since many peasants who were given idle lands in free usufruct have joined the organization.  

The Cuban official emphasized that the presence of ANAP must grow in the production entities so that the interests of farmers are best represented and their problems can be solved.
 
When referring to the agricultural production, he spoke about the need for improving the performance of cooperative farms in areas such as cattle rising, tobacco, coffee, fruit, honey and sugarcane productions.

Machado Ventura stressed that small farmers–responsible for the 70 % of the productions- can contribute to lower prices of produces that are sold in the market.

There are still complains on the drawing up of contracts which should be simple and whose terms should be complied with.

It is necessary to take the debate that emerged in this wonderful Congress to all provinces of Cuba, the Second Secretary of the Communist Party highlighted.

The Revolution has a lot of confidence in its farmers' movement, emphasized Machado Ventura at the closing ceremony of ANAP Congress.