Specialists from the Integrated Company and Tobacco in the municipality of Consolación del Sur, in the province of Pinar de Río, reported that over 385 hectares of tobacco were lost in the recent campaign due to the energy crisis affecting the country.
The prolonged absence of electricity hindered timely irrigation, which affected all cultivated varieties, with a greater impact on the second crop fields of the Sol ensartado variety and in the areas of the Virginia variety, reported the provincial newspaper Guerrillero.
According to the general director of the entity, Mario Luis Zamora Medina, just over 1,500 hectares were planted in the municipality, “a number that decreased due to the lack of electricity to proceed with the irrigation of the leaves.”
From an initial plan of 1,778 tons, only 1,301 tons were achieved. This amounts to a loss of 0.6 tons per hectare, which directly impacted the agreed delivery with the producers.
In concrete terms, more than 2.5 million cujes were expected to be collected, but only 1.99 million were obtained, which is 79% of the estimate. The impact is not only quantitative, but it also jeopardizes contracts, income, and the stability of thousands of tobacco workers.
So far, the company has gathered over 327 tons, with the Virginia variety standing out for its 98% quality. The selected ones are already in operation to process the collected goods, and it is hoped that by June 26, more than 80% of the producers will have cleared their lands and settled outstanding accounts. However, these aspirations clash with a reality marked by an unrelenting energy deficit.
Amid the crisis, 1,036 houses for tobacco curing have been built, and work is ongoing to roof another 85. For the upcoming season, it is expected that 2,100 hectares will be planted and around 1,800 shelters will be constructed, figures that seem ambitious in light of a situation where even the current campaign could not be maintained.
Without electricity, without water, and facing million-dollar losses, the future of Cuban tobacco—one of the flagship export products—once again depends more on promises than on actual conditions.
The president of the Tabacuba business group, Manuel Marino Murillo Jorge, stated in a recent report from the National Television News (NTV) that his organization “is working to improve the living conditions of tobacco producers and workers.”
However, at no point did he reference the need to ensure fair and sufficient wages in a sector that generates over 100 million dollars annually in exports.
The current tobacco campaign spans approximately 15,000 hectares planted, with an estimated harvest of over 17,000 tons of leaves, according to data released by Murillo Jorge.
Projections indicate the production of more than 80 million cigars, with over 70 million set for export, particularly from the province of Pinar del Río, which is responsible for more than 65% of the national crop.
Despite these impressive volumes and contributions in foreign currency, workers in the sector continue to face a harsh reality, marked by the high prices imposed by the State on their supplies.
According to the executive, many producers have to wake up early in the morning to make the most of the few hours of electricity available to irrigate their fields, while the company is improvising solutions such as the hurried purchase of generators, the fuel for which must be purchased in foreign currency.
Cuba has witnessed a with daily blackouts caused by technological obsolescence and fuel shortages. Authorities promise improvements, but the situation continues to deteriorate.
In Pinar del Río, the crisis has escalated to alarming levels. According to officials from the provincial Electric Company, some circuits have faced blackouts of more than 30 continuous hours, amid a scenario marked by a lack of planning, system collapse, and a growing public discontent.
Frequently asked questions about the energy crisis and tobacco production in Cuba
How has the energy crisis affected tobacco production in Consolación del Sur?
The energy crisis has led to the loss of more than 385 hectares of tobacco in Consolación del Sur, affecting all cultivated varieties due to a lack of timely irrigation. This has resulted in a significant decrease in production, with only 1,301 tons harvested out of an initial plan of 1,778 tons.
What are the economic consequences for tobacco producers due to this crisis?
The reduction in tobacco production has seriously affected contracts and income for producers. It was expected to collect over 2.5 million quintals, but only 1.99 million were obtained, which directly impacts the economic stability of thousands of tobacco workers.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the energy crisis?
The Cuban government has started to build solar parks, like the one in La Barbarita in Pinar del Río, in an attempt to improve the energy matrix. However, the progress is insufficient to resolve the structural crisis of the electrical system, which continues to cause widespread blackouts and affect agricultural and industrial production.
What is the outlook for the upcoming tobacco campaign in Cuba?
Despite the current losses, it is expected to plant 2,100 hectares and build around 1,800 accommodations for the upcoming campaign. These projections are considered ambitious in a context where the current campaign could not be sustained due to the energy crisis.
How is the energy crisis affecting other Cuban provinces?
The energy crisis has led to power outages of up to 30 hours in provinces such as Pinar del Río. The situation is worsened by the lack of scheduling and the collapse of the electrical system, severely affecting the daily lives of the population and essential services across the country.
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