The province of Artemisa hosted a business fair where it highlighted the cultivation of stevia, a plant native to Paraguay, as a "great novelty." Meanwhile, its sole sugar industry is producing less than 40% of what was anticipated, and farmers are accumulating millions in unpaid dues from the State.
The event, covered by the official Canal Caribe, brought together state-owned enterprises, cooperatives, and new private economic actors with the declared aim of boosting food production and fostering partnerships between the state and private sectors.
"We are introducing the cultivation of stevia, which is a plant native to Paraguay, but is primarily used for the production of sugar for diabetics. Therefore, we are trying to cultivate it to expand this farming here in the municipality," explained producer Reinaldo Valdés González.
Stevia, whose compounds can be 200 to 300 times sweeter than cane sugar, is used as a sweetener with no significant impact on glucose levels, making it a suitable option for people with diabetes.
However, the promotion of this crop contrasts with the critical situation of the sugar agro-industry in the province. The only mill produced only 3,018 tons of sugar during the harvest, well below what was planned, in a context where Cuba is currently producing less sugar than in 1899, according to economists.
The drop in productivity is compounded by the issue of unpaid debts. Farmers in Artemisa have over four million pesos outstanding for deliveries made to the State, a debt that discourages production and exacerbates the food crisis.
It is not the first time that authorities have relied on alternative crops as a solution to the structural problems of agriculture. In recent years, initiatives such as moringa, hibiscus flower, and corojo have been promoted, without managing to reverse the ongoing decline of national production.
The business fair in Artemisa was presented by the official narrative as a key step for the economic development of the province. According to the state telecenter ARTV Artemisa, the fair was called to “strengthen ties with entities located in the Mariel Special Development Zone, promoting productive linkages, investment, and cooperation among different sectors.”
The media also reported that the initiative represents "an important step to energize the local economy, encourage national production, and make the most of the territory's potential," in a space that—according to its coverage—advocates for "integration, innovation, and economic growth."
Filed under: