Cuban farmers will plant 600 hectares of organic potatoes from national seeds this year

The Cuban agricultural landscape, once dominated by intensive agrochemical practices, is rapidly changing, partly due to import problems and the high cost of synthetic inputs. This also applies to potatoes – the most important product of the state’s food security. Despite the fact that the yield of organic Cuban potatoes is inferior to imported commercial seeds, creating a sustainable production system for this crop with adapted varieties is the focus of the authorities. Growing organic potatoes is gradually becoming a Cuban trend. Organic farming differs from traditional farming by abandoning agrochemicals in favor of natural materials that do not harm the environment and preserve soil fertility. In addition, organic potatoes are said to contain higher levels of nutrients and often have better flavor and aroma. “This season, the companies of the Cuban Agricultural Group (GAG), subordinate to the Ministry of Agriculture, intend to sow 130,162 hectares (ha) with various crops,” ...