Cuba: Second potato harvest begins in San Luis

In December 2023, within the 9 hectares acquired in usufruct by Miguel and Yorgendris Calderón as leaders, they planted potatoes. The first harvest yielded 15 tons per hectare; according to specialists, the current harvest will yield even higher results.

"We began the experiment in December 2023 after specialists evaluated our land. We planted, applied fertilizers, and watered properly. Despite the difficulties in acquiring fuel and fertilizer, we achieved a good harvest. We hope to surpass the current harvest results once the harvest is complete," commented Yorgendris Calderón. 

The family farm "El Lucero" belongs to the Gustavo Mol Credit and Services Cooperative; its lands are part of the "El Alambre" Production Center, the largest food production center in the country.

"We started planting potatoes with them in 2023. We were very happy because this municipality had never tried planting this tuber before. In March of last year, we returned for the first harvest. Nine months later, we started planting again, and here we are again harvesting," said Elixandra Elías, a member of the contingent, which primarily supports the planting, clearing, and harvesting of farm products.

"Social consumption. We’re already delivering to nursing homes, maternity homes, daycare centers, and grandparents’ homes, and of course, to agricultural sales points. We plan to take them to the rest of the population for consumption, in addition to the national budget," Yorgendris noted.

Incorporated into the "From Farmer to Farmer" Agroecological Movement, "El Lucero" stands as an example of how much can be achieved through the application of science and proper crop care. The results of each potato harvest (they’ve already made two), and they hope for many more, are reflected in the diet of the people of San Luis.