Las Tunas Cultivates Beans from Field to Table

In Las Tunas, a determined push is underway to ensure that the beans gracing local tables are grown right here in the province. This ambitious endeavor, spearheaded by dedicated farmers and agricultural specialists, aims to bolster food security and economic resilience by substituting costly imports with domestically produced staples. The commitment is palpable, with farmers like Enerio Hernández Ojeda leading the charge by dedicating significant acreage to bean cultivation.

These agricultural pioneers are navigating a complex landscape, tackling challenges such as fertilizer availability and the crucial need for reliable electricity to power irrigation systems. Their ingenuity shines through, employing organic methods like vermicompost and meticulously managing resources to ensure successful harvests. The dedication of these farmers and their teams, who are described as 'in love with their work,' is central to this agricultural revival. The support from state enterprises and the emerging private sector in providing essential inputs like fuel and seeds further bolsters these efforts.

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To fertilize the lands we use organic products like worm humus. And to water the crops we wait for the current; whatever the hour, we start the four machines and get to work, without losing a minute.

Beyond the common bean, Las Tunas is also championing the cultivation of cowpea, or 'caupí.' This resilient grain is favored for its adaptability to the region's soils and its rapid growth cycle. While the common bean faces threats from pests like the bean thrips, cowpea offers a robust alternative, maintaining a strong tradition in the province. With significant hectares planted and projected yields of 1.5 to two tons per hectare for common beans, and ambitious targets for cowpea, Las Tunas is demonstrating a strategic approach to agricultural self-sufficiency, prioritizing local needs and sustainable practices.

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The campaign is still young and it is an achievable goal. Moreover, this bean adapts well to the impoverished soils of the territory and is a crop that only requires 90 days for its harvest.