According to Prensa Latina, the irrigation of the seedbeds began this week in order to complete the postures needed to plant some 2,170 hectares included in this year’s contract.

Hernandez said that currently, over 24,000 traditional seedbeds are being prepared in elevated places and lands that meet the technical conditions to guarantee the planting in the sun-on-stick modality (dark tobacco).

The executive commented that the results of harvests are below expectations, mainly due to limitations caused by the unfair economic, commercial and financial blockade that the United States has imposed on Cuba.

He acknowledged that harvesters have to use traditional methods to keep the good health of the crops, due to a lack of required products on time.

Hernández explained that of the total area, some 260 hectares will be devoted to covered tobacco to meet the demand from Cuba’s economy to increase the production of cigarettes for exports.

In the last decade, this specialty has been growing steadily. As a result, only 15 tobacco growers have contributed some 20 tons of leaves.

For the upcoming campaign in Sancti Spiritus, 116 producers have committed themselves to supplying over 300 tons of tobacco leaves for layers, Hernández added.

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