Alejandro Sao Peña is a man who does not give up easily. Anyone in his place would have "hung up his gloves". However, he decided to give a new direction to his intention of being useful, because one also learns from setbacks.
Las Tunas, Cuba.- It all began in his childhood when he was born and raised in the countryside, the grandson of peasants who planted tobacco. He learned and kept those teachings. He put them into practice for three years, but one day the priest's house collapsed with the harvest inside.
He lamented it is true. However, he felt alive and young to restart his work as an agricultural producer, he turned his attention to various crops, and cattle raising, tasks that today occupy his time.
"I dedicated myself to planting grains, especially corn, and other crops, especially short-cycle crops. Thanks to the Rural Cooperative Development Project in the Eastern Region (Prodecor), I received an irrigation system that covers four hectares."
"In addition to corn, I have beans, onions, cabbage, and tomatoes. I pay attention to all the crops, but the onion is the crop that takes me the most dedication because first the seedbed is made and then the planting and harvesting. Everything is given to the 35th Anniversary Credit and Service Cooperative, to which I belong."
In his almost 44 hectares, in the area of La Veguita in the municipality of Las Tunas, there is also space for fifty head of cattle. He has a dozen milking cows and every month he delivers around 500 liters of milk. Between both activities and other tasks, he spends each of his days.
"I get up very early in the morning. I drink some coffee and start milking. Then I take the cattle to the paddock and return to the house to have breakfast and spend some time with my wife and daughter."
"Then, I chat with the workers and take a walk around the crops."
"That's a routine that can't be missed because the master's eye fattens the horse. You have to check everything to keep order. This thing of avoiding theft has made me spend many a bad night, although we workers take turns and everything is lit up."
"The truth is that crimes have been unleashed. They don't leave you a cow, they finish you off with everything, from the fence to the smallest thing you have planted. They have already taken two horses, a team of oxen, and a cow. They also stole my onion, corn, and chili bell pepper crops."
On his land, Sao applies agroecology and uses the manure to improve the soil, because there are no fertilizers. He enjoys every action and does not regret being a farmer, even though it is a complex job in which there are good and bad moments.
"It is very difficult because the labor force is very scarce. For a morning's work, you have to pay about 500.00 pesos. But even if you pay them, the workers don't show up. Luckily, we have had benefits with bank credits and other measures.
"The first one was 296,000 pesos for the marabú harvest, without interest.” This one now is for 967,000 pesos, for various crops. We are stretching it because everything is expensive. For example, one well costs 150 thousand pesos and we have to make two to plant and enjoy the plants."
The outstanding farmer feels well cared for by the cooperative and tries to be more useful every day. Little by little, he manages to guarantee his seeds and faces life with optimism and joy, he makes himself loved and respected by his neighbors and friends.
