Some 819 hectares of coconut were reported in the province of Las Tunas at the end of the year 2023, which indicates a gradual growth of this fruit in the lands belonging to the private and state sectors in the eight municipalities.
Las Tunas, Cuba.- Of this figure, around 527 hectares are already in production while another 291 are in different stages of growth. Land preparation and the production of seedlings are also being undertaken, as envisaged in the development strategy until 2030.
To promote the planting of coconut trees, a technical nursery was installed in the municipality of Jesús Menéndez, which is responsible for producing more than eight thousand seedlings. With them, the plan of the current calendar, amounting to 50 hectares, can be fulfilled.
As part of the country's plans to consolidate the crop, the Cuban Association of Agricultural and Forestry Technicians, the municipal delegations of the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Agricultural Companies are implementing training activities for producers in the territory of Las Tunas.
At these meetings, attention has been paid to the handling of coconut sowing techniques and the main characteristics of the varieties that are best adapted to local conditions, such as the yellow, green, and copper Indian, all of which are classified as high-yielding.
In the province, marketing is guaranteed to various entities in the food industry, juice factories, and other points of sale, as it is a fruit that is in significant demand among the population. For example, in 2023, more than 2,700 tons were sold to these destinations.
However, before harvesting, the plants require phytosanitary attention and, on the instructions of the national plant health department, Bacillus thuringiensis strain 13 and Lecanicillium lecanii strain 12 are produced in the territory, replacing the fungus Hirsutella thompsonii.
In addition to its nutritional value, the coconut has several uses, which have been exploited in the territory to obtain fibers for local production and to make substrates for nurseries. The possible export of bottled water and peeled fruits is also significant.
