Western Cuban province proves efficacy of agroecology in non-conventional potato cultivation

PERICO, Matanzas, May 31 (ACN) Along with the favorable production results, the recently concluded experiment to grow agroecological potatoes in the Cuban province of Matanzas demonstrated the effectiveness of good practices such as the use of bioproducts that allow replacing imports.

Since last November, 44 producers and 26 entities from the municipalities of Perico, Colon, Calimete, Jagüey Grande, Marti, Jovellanos, Pedro Betancourt, Union de Reyes and Cardenas participated in the campaign in which only biological products were used.

Marcos Antonio Garcia Naranjo, director of science, technology and innovation of the Indio Hatuey Experimental Station of Grasses and Fodder, located in this locality, told the Cuban News Agency that the initiative generated a wide movement and strengthened the farmers' trust in science.
He specified that, regardless of the 435.47 tons per hectare obtained on average, interest grew in the acquisition of technologies and self-management of productions, recycling of nutrients and carbon for crops, and soil restoration.

According to the expert, a team of researchers was active in advising on the agroecological potato planting experiment, and its success shows the feasibility of extending these practices in the production of this important foodstuff to the rest of the Caribbean island.

Garcia Naranjo recognized the organization among the entities responsible for marketing the tuber, which allowed the distribution directly to the markets of a healthy and fresh product for the benefit of consumers, and demonstrated the usefulness of applying science to food production.

Used in more than 500 production scenarios in Cuba, the IHplus biofertilizer produced at Indio Hatuey was the basis of the technological package used in the agroecological potato planting in Matanzas as part of the pilot experience.