In the province of Las Tunas, millets, an extraordinary cereal that has more protein and fat than many of its congeners, including rice, is almost unheard of. Nevertheless, this crop is beginning to occupy small spaces on the land of some producers.

Las Tunas, Cuba.- There are no sowing and harvesting plans here, nor is there any evaluation of the relevance of gradually incorporating this crop, taking into account its remarkable nutritional benefits and its great usefulness in the diet of humans and animals.

Because of its many virtues, the United Nations General Assembly declared 2023 as the International Year of this crop, as a way of motivating specialists to guide and advise producers to set aside an area on each farm.

In Las Tunas, some units are gradually sowing millets. The Osvaldo Figueredo, Antonio Fernández, and Abel Santamaría credit and service cooperatives (CCS) stand out, as well as the 26 de Julio basic unit for cooperative production (UBPC), all of them in Jobabo.

There are also experiences in Jobabito, which belongs to the main municipality, and other localities. In all cases, satisfaction is reported because it is a species that is easily adaptable to regular or poor soils and to the lack of humidity that is characteristic of this region.

This cereal grows very well, and only a little organic matter is enough to give it size, vigor, and good yields. But its greatest benefits lie in its ability to keep for up to five years and in its use in the preparation of diversified and healthy diets.

It is a product with high amounts of vitamins and minerals and is gluten-free, which makes it ideal for people with coeliac disease. In addition, it can be used to prepare a variety of recipes for salads with vegetables, creams, croquettes, sauces, sweets, biscuits, and countless other dishes.

Among its medicinal properties, it is known for preventing cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. It promotes cell regeneration and good digestion and is recommended in cases of physical weakness, anemia, heavy menstruation, and stress.

It is a good animal feed and this is the main destination of the little millets harvested in the territory. It is also used as a biological controller and in the design of living barriers that limit the effect of the wind. In Las Tunas, it is also used to multiply the mycorrhizal fungus in the production of Ecomic.

Millets were recently planted at the Calixto Sarduy cooperative of agricultural production.