In Holguin province, the Agricultural Extension, Research and Training Unit (Ueica) is implementing experimental banana harvesting techniques to enhance crop yield. According to Eugenio Hernández, a specialist at Ueica, the approach involves trimming multiple hands from the bunch, which can boost productivity by up to 30 percent, achieving 40 tons per hectare.
The planting employs an extra dense method, accommodating over 3,000 plants per hectare, which conserves irrigation water and optimizes soil usage. This strategy not only shortens the harvest period but also mitigates the impact of high-intensity hurricanes by reducing the distance between plants. Hernández highlighted the incorporation of natural fertilizers and agro-ecological practices aimed at replacing imports and addressing challenges posed by the US's economic sanctions against Cuba. Furthermore, Ueica is experimenting with new varieties to develop plants that are resilient to climate change, ensuring their survival amid drought, elevated temperatures, and saline intrusion.
Source: radioangulo.cu