Winds disabled 17 of the 19 center pivot irrigation machines. Photo: Dunia Álvarez
There were 7.41 hectares that once gave agricultural life to the San Andres farm. There, fruit, vegetable and root vegetables crops were grown, demonstrating the fertility of the land. However, the inevitable arrival of Hurricane Rafael wreaked significant havoc in the area.After the passage of this meteorological event, Rasiel Eloy Rodríguez Roque, the farm's producer, said that the hurricane had devastated his crops. The pain, palpable in his words, reflected the love he feels for the land.On the other hand, in the midst of adversity, Roque finds strength in the nobility of the peasant, who is, according to him, the noblest being among Cubans. "Like a father with his children, I am always ready to give everything for the land," he says."For that part don't worry, we are here to work," he told the press and, instead of giving up, he called to "fight" and move forward.RECOVERY UNDERWAYThe determination of the Artemisan producers shows that the hurricane can destroy the crops, but not the work force, said lván Rivero Echeverría, director of Technical and Development at Empresa Agropecuaria Alquízar, who explained that of the 2,282 hectares affected 100%, 450 are already in the process of active recovery.He explained that the banana harvest is still in good condition. Everything that can be harvested is being harvested to be sent to the capital to guarantee food supplies in December and January, he said.In the case of cassava, he said, although all areas were affected, the company managed to preserve the crop, preventing it from rotting due to moderate rains.As for sweet potato and taro, the situation is more encouraging, said Rivero Echeverría, who noted that "we have 135 hectares of sweet potato ready to harvest this month, and 42 hectares of taro with no problems."Beans did suffer a complete loss in 182 hectares planted; however, the company continues with its planting plans for the cold season, which, "although it may start a little late, it will be done."Regarding technical resources, he explained that the irrigation machines suffered damage. Of the 19 pieces of equipment, 17 are damaged; and brigades from Matanzas and Las Tunas were mobilized to repair them, ensuring that at least 50% of the machines will be ready by the end of this month.Likewise, producers from other cooperatives explained the damages suffered, in some cases totally, in crops such as banana and avocado.Juan Luis García Vidal, producer of the Pedro Rodríguez Santana Credit and Service Cooperative (CCS), said that the main factors for recovery are the necessary work force and will, as well as support from the Government.However, the lack of oil and fertilizers continues to be a serious obstacle.
