From August to April and perhaps May, the 35th Anniversary Credit and Service Cooperative, located in the community of La Veguita, in the municipality of Las Tunas, lives days of sleeplessness and emotions, of much work and satisfaction, of fears and joys. During these days, tobacco is sown, grown and harvested.
Las Tunas, Cuba.- According to its president, Luis Enrique Santiago Ortiz, there are 112 associates and from them, 110 work lands that they received in usufruct, after the decision to use part of the areas of the Milk Basin and the Tunas Agricultural Company to promote a tobacco pole.
That was on July 4, 1992, and today the results are evident because even the environment has changed, with large houses for processing the leaf.
Every year the yields are different. Sometimes they are better, or worse, depending on the pests, rains or drought and even the availability of fertilizers, fuels and other resources that make up the technological package associated with this line.
Last season's accounts have not yet been completed, because there is still some left in the fields and for the next one, they plan to sow 60 hectares. But it is better not to talk about figures, which can vary in an instant. It is enough to emphasize the will with which these men work, ready to contribute to the progress of the sector, because the province is immersed in a wide development program with the aim of producing about two thousand tons per season, taking into account the prospects of the sector.
Very soon, seed irrigation will be carried out, an initial activity of the process, which will end up in the pleasure of smokers when they consume the national cigarette shop, the final destination of these productions.
In place of the aromatic leaf, short-cycle crops are growing in the fields of La Veguita, already in harvest or close to it, and this is a response to the country's request to diversify crops and produce food for the people.
Yordanis Jorge Peña is one of the protagonists of the transformation of the place; he arrived to these places about 15 years ago. His space has already become small and he is asking to expand to continue growing tobacco and other crops.
"During this time I have had good results and others not so good. But, almost every year I have been one of the best producers in the province. I planted the Corojo 2006 variety on around 4.43 hectares, using the sun and stick method.
"When I don't have tobacco planted I comply with crop rotation. Right now I have plenty of corn, cowpeas and plantains. With my work, I improve, and so does the family. And most importantly, I help the country to develop."
With the same responsibility, Juan Ramón Zaldívar Rodríguez wakes up every day. He started in the world of tobacco and then received land by Decree-Law 259 and put it to use for livestock farming. He even, as part of the Prodecor project, sows grains when his lands rest from the main crop.
"My days are a little complicated because of the hustle and bustle of so many lines that I am attending to; but I have my boys working with me on the farm, my wife and daughters-in-law so I throw them all out evenly.
"Some years I have better results than others, but it's always worth living. The most difficult thing is when there is a situation with the fuel, that one has an advanced crop and then one cannot irrigate.
"Right now I have to harvest corn, yucca, sweet potato and cowpea beans. I made a commitment to plant two hectares of common beans. I guarantee my family's food and help the people because I always contribute my produce to the cooperative.
Idamir González Santiesteban, who was a private carpenter and transporter, feels equally committed. He said goodbye to those professions because one day he tried to plant a quintal of beans. He was so good at it that he picked 15. And that day, fate changed him. He applied for land in usufruct and began another story.
"I was motivated. And I got into the world of tobacco, where I've had good results so far. I own corn, beans and pumpkins. I give everything to the cooperative for delivery to Acopio. I've contributed something to the schools, especially papaya fruit.
"I feel useful because I am helping the country. I'm going to keep working hard while I can. I am willing to give what is needed from me, although I will continue with tobacco as my main crop.
"I want to encourage a little bit of livestock for milk production and its delivery to the state. I also have some sheep and chickens for the family. I have gained a lot by not having to look around for food. I can generate almost everything myself.
These are just three examples. There are more. The contribution of each one of us, added to the contribution of others, is like a grain of sand in the mountain of food sovereignty that we Cubans are called to make; even those who live in the cities, in their yards and even on balconies or rooftops.
Soon they will be among tobacco leaves again, avoiding pests and making the plants grow with their dedication. Good luck in that line too!
