Carlos Betancourt Almaguer, director of the Tobacco Collection, Processing, and Twisting Company in the province of Las Tunas reported that during the 2024-2025 season is expected to plant more than 300 hectares.

Las Tunas, Cuba.- Over 260 hectares have been contracted to date, a figure that represents almost the entire fund of the land given in usufruct for the activity. For this reason, the director referred to the possibility of incorporating other producers and landowners.

He said that this is a decisive line for the country's economy and the Tabacuba business group has the resources for irrigation, processing houses, and supplies. Among them, he mentioned fertilizers, diesel, and pesticides.

He added that for the current campaign, the monetary benefits increased because the prices and profits established by the productive results of the harvests were updated, which constitutes an attractive possibility of high income.

He explained that the percentage of foreign currency to be paid to the producer increases to three percent of the value of high-class tobacco and the cost of inputs will not be discounted. “To achieve this, they must obtain 55 percent of high-class leaves and a yield of one ton per hectare.

Betancourt Almaguer mentioned that tobacco farmers in Las Tunas will benefit in several ways. The price will be maintained at 15,000 pesos per ton, and the producers who meet all the established requirements during the contracting process will receive a 10 percent bonus.

One of the threats to tobacco planting, which began on October 23 in the southern municipality of Colombia, lies in the condition of the seedbeds, severely damaged by the heavy rains of the last few days. However, the Company director said that the seedlings are recovering in good condition and more seeds will be planted.