The recent potato harvest in Artemisa, Cuba, has not met the anticipated outcomes, with only 3,600 tons of potatoes harvested against a projection of 5,600 tons across the municipalities of Güira de Melena, San Antonio de los Baños, and Alquízar. The shortfall has been attributed to lower yields from the 280 hectares planted, with an average yield of 14.5 tons per hectare. The general director of the Agricultural and Forestry Business Group of the province, Miguel Sanchez García, pinpointed the inadequate application of irrigation due to continuous electrical outages and detrimental weather conditions as primary factors.
Despite the challenges, the harvested potatoes from state seeds met the planned objectives, unlike those from imported seeds. The province experienced eight critical electrical outages during the crucial growing period. Nonetheless, the harvested potatoes have sufficed to cover the family rations in the province, supply seven markets in Havana, and fulfill the needs of the Frutas Selectas Company. Additionally, every resident in the province has been able to purchase eight pounds of potatoes since the harvest commenced.
The scarcity and high prices of potatoes in Cuba have led to increased customer dissatisfaction and incidents of theft, highlighting the vegetable's significance in the Cuban diet. The theft of 1,293 pounds of potatoes in Havana's Plaza de la Revolución municipality underscores the challenges in managing this essential food resource. The incident is under investigation, with market administration irregularities also being scrutinized.
Source: havanatimes.org