In Matanzas, the cultivation of henequen is being promoted, a key plant in the 1990s for producing rope and threads

Amid the current economic crisis, Cuba is once again betting on crops that were used as a stopgap during the "Special Period" in the 1990s.

Henequen, known for its resilience and versatility, is being promoted once again in the province of Matanzas as part of a project aimed at its recovery and sustainable development for the production of rope and threads.

According to the Provincial Government of the People's Power in Matanzas on their Facebook profile, researchers from the Biotechnology Study Center (CEBIO) of the University of Matanzas, led by Dr. C. Enildo Abreu Cruz, made the first delivery of henequen plants obtained through in vitro cultivation to the National Company of Natural Fibers.

This technology, developed in the 1990s, has been adapted to current conditions to improve the quality of henequin sprouts and ensure their propagation in the fields of Matanzas.

"Henequen (Agave fourcroydes Lem.) has been a fundamental crop in Matanzas, known for its resilience to adverse climatic conditions where other crops do not thrive. Although it has historically been used to produce fibers for the manufacturing of threads and ropes, its potential goes far beyond that," the researchers noted.

In addition to its traditional uses, scientists noted that henequen offers additional benefits that could contribute to sustainable agriculture, as the plant's waste can be utilized to produce compost, reducing the reliance on chemical fertilizers.

Recent research has also demonstrated its capacity as a phytoremediation plant, as well as the value of its sap for containing metabolites of pharmaceutical interest and properties that could be used as a pesticide, they indicated.

Despite the wonders attributed to this plant, the report soon clarified the obstacles faced by the project initiated in 2021, citing the COVID-19 pandemic and material shortages.

Enrique Almeida Ruiz, director of the National Company of Natural Fibers, emphasized the impact of collaboration with academia: “This is an important step for the development of henequen in Cuba, as we have begun its revitalization. With the support of institutions such as the University of Matanzas, we will be able to recover the plantations in the country in a short period of time.”

The delivery of these plants represents yet another example of how science and research could transform agriculture in Cuba, a narrative that the regime has employed at other times.

The statement emphasized that, with the support of academic institutions and the tireless efforts of researchers, henequin is poised for a "productive rebirth" that will benefit Matanzas and contribute to the struggling national economy.

The project, in addition to reviving a crop of undeniable historical value, aims to position it as a gem of sustainable development, relying on the magic of technological innovation and the often-invoked concept of community engagement.

According to the state-run newspaper Granma, henequen was on the verge of disappearing in the country. Its productive cultivation has gradually declined since the 1990s, when the economic crisis and lack of resources severely impacted its growth.

It is striking that in 1985, Cuba produced over 6,000 tons of henequen fiber, but just eight years later, in 1993, production fell so dramatically that the country was forced to import more than 400 tons to meet demand.

This setback not only impacted the national industry that relied on the fiber for producing ropes and threads, but also marked the beginning of an almost total abandonment of this crop, which at one time was essential in regions like Matanzas.

This plant was marketed as a "wonderful solution" not only in the 1990s. In 2020, an industrial facility in Cienfuegos produced detergent from henequen leaves, reviving a sorrowful memory of the so-called "Special Period" when hygiene products disappeared in Cuba.

Frequently Asked Questions about Henequen Cultivation in Cuba