Cuban farmers use renewable energy to protect environment

The operating of 200 windmills and 20 solar panels are some of the actions carried out in the peasant and cooperative sector of Villa Clara to stop environmental degradation in rural settlements.

Magdalena Gonzalez, an official of the National Association of Small Farmers (ANAP by its Spanish acronym) in the province, told ACN that the organization maintains a program of efficient use of renewable energy sources included into Cuba’s agro-ecology draft, in force since the 1990s.

To date, we have 130 biodigesters for the treatment of pork residuals and 300 more must be installed before the end of the year, with which the contamination of soil and groundwater is avoided, s he added.

These facilities have multiple benefits, including the biofertilizer obtained as a byproduct of waste treatment, very effective in nourishing the soil, she said.

Abel Hernandez, president of the cooperative Niceto Perez, in Placetas, one of the largest producers of pork in Cuba, told ACN that biodigesters are crucial for cleaner production.

He added that some members of his cooperative raise about 900 animals in a year, and if these wastes are dumped down, the damage would be huge and irreversible.

Olivia Gonzalez, president of the cooperative Horacio Rodriguez, specializing in pig farming, told ACN that the increased use of renewable energy sources is synonymous with development and quality of life of the peasantry, and economically benefits the family.

With biofertilizer of digesters to irrigate crops, she noted, greater plant development and better quality crops is achieved, with a significant saving because nutrients are generated on the farm and reduce the costs of harvests.

She added that the implementation of this program also has an impact on the decrease of insects and odors from the corrals of pigs.