Climate Change Forces Cuban Agriculture Ministry to Change Methods

HAVANA, Cuba, Jul 5 (acn) Gustavo Rodriguez, Minister of Agriculture, asserted on Tuesday in this capital that the impact of climate change on agricultural crops forced to change work methods in this sector.

Speaking at the Food and Agriculture Committee of the National Assembly of the People's Power, Rodriguez said that this issue is a prioritized task to fulfill plans.
He noted that sowing activities related to winter have had to be carried out later and a marked difference between the climatic conditions of the western and eastern regions, which caused this year problems in the results of the harvest of potatoes, beans and tomato, among other crops, is appreciated.
He pointed out that leading producers introduce new technologies in the field with a view to their generalization, supported by the progress made by research centers and universities.
Regarding the presence of agricultural products in the network of state agricultural markets he said that new contracts with cooperatives and agricultural workers were made to increase crops and the stockpiling of products to be sold at lower prices.
Roberto Nunez, deputy for the province of Matanzas, assessed as very favorably the measures taken by the State to raise the value of the Cuban peso, but reiterated the need for facilities to be appropriately identified.
We must provide these centers with new weighing equipment to prevent illegalities and theft, specified Nunez.
Lina Pedraza, Minister of Finance and Prices, pointed out that plans have been made to gradually replace these means, prioritizing chain stores in foreign currency.
Also on Tuesday, deputies knew of actions by this sector to face illegalities and respond to problems put forward by the population.