Radio Cadena Agramonte emisiora de Camagüey
Vertientes, Camagüey, August 11.- On the eve of the 99th anniversary of Fidel Castro Ruz's birth, the residents of Vertientes honor his legacy through voluntary food production programs. These efforts reflect the commitment of a people who, for more than sixty years, have resisted the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed against Cuba, and who keep alive the example and teachings of the revolutionary leader.
The motto in Vertientes is clear: Produce, produce, and produce! In line with this philosophy, productive mobilizations have been organized, this time focusing on the lands of the Eduardo René Chibás Rivas Agricultural Production Cooperative (CPA, for its acronym in Spanish).
Currently, the priority is to expand the areas dedicated to basic crops such as plantains, cassava, squash, and sweet potatoes, in accordance with the guidelines of the Government Program, specifically its third line. Specifically, one hectare of sweet potatoes was planted using innovative techniques such as the drowning method, which allows for yields of up to 200 quintals per hectare.
This cooperative symbolizes the momentum of the local cooperative movement and although its main activity is sugar cane production, it has diversified its crops. The participation of political and governmental authorities in these tasks is essential, especially in times when the labor force is a scarce resource, said Raúl Preval Rodríguez, president of CPA, in an interview with Radio Vertientes.
The cooperative has more than 35 members, who stand out for their unity, commitment to the growth and strengthening of the organization. The agricultural tradition of the area, recognized for its excellent results in sugarcane production, along with livestock and other crops, shape the daily life of these farmers.
Fidel Castro's legacy is also present in livestock management, where techniques such as the Sierra Maestra quartering system and artificial insemination are applied to improve the quality of the livestock. Simplicity, joy, dedication, and love for the land are characteristics that identify those who produce and enjoy the fruits of their labor.
These producers' projections are concentrated in the rural community of Las Quinientas, where other production units operate, such as the San Pablo and La Unión Cooperative Basic Production Units, which together constitute the heart of these lands.
There is a call to strengthen agricultural programs with objectivity, efficiency, and responsibility, in addition to promoting greater visibility and stability of products in local markets, ensuring fair prices agreed by the municipal commission.
Control actions in the municipality are concentrated in key areas such as Santa Rosa and the Ignacio Agramonte Loynaz productive hub. Raúl Preval and his team continue working with perseverance, seeking alternatives and facing economic challenges, in a spirit that honors Fidel’s memory.
It is inspiring to see farmers working with traditional methods, such as the Azulito and Marinero oxen team, and to remember that the producers of the Eduardo R. Chibás CPA are the continuation of those who, along with Fidel, signed the first Agrarian Reform Law.
Vertientes' challenge is to consolidate its agricultural development strategy, which has become an economic pillar in south-central Camagüey. (Frank Fernández García/Radio Vertientes) (Photo: Taken from the Internet)
