Tobacco farmers in Cuban central province commit to larger harvest

The tobacco farmers in the central province of Sancti Spíritus, Cuba's second largest producer, are working to exceed the sowing of the 2023-2024 harvest by 600 hectares, according to specialists from the sector.

Isidoro Hernández, agricultural director of the Collection and Processing Company, confirmed to Prensa Latina that some 2,000 hectares will be planted, most of which with dark tobacco, and 260 hectares of the “covered” variety, with a view to contributing to the production of cigars for export.

He explained that in the last decade, this specialty has grown and for the upcoming campaign 116 producers committed to produce over 300 tons of tobacco for layers.

Hernández also highlighted advances in the development of the planting beds in order to start planting in the second half of October and complete it in November and December, a period considered optimal to achieve high yields.

He warned that it is essential to comply in time with the activities required for the development of the harvest, as well as the arrival of the expected inputs, which are decisive to increase agricultural yields.

He commented that in the last campaigns, the productive results were below expectations, mainly due to the limitations caused to the economy by the unjust economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States Government on Cuba.

Hernández acknowledged that the harvesters, despite the lack of the required products in time, resort to traditional methods to guarantee the health of the plantations.

Sancti Spíritus, even though results have declined in recent years, has remained as one of Cuba’s major tobacco producers nationwide.