The municipality of Jesús Menéndez was one of the highlights in the provincial emulation for May 17 and, more than recognition, local peasants see it as a huge commitment given the current times, when increasing food production is required.
This is how Feliciano Zaldívar Meneses, president of the National Association of Small Farmers in that northern territory, considers it; a very young man, but convinced of the role of the peasantry so that the country's economy can move forward, in the midst of such difficult circumstances.
“In the municipality, there are 29 grassroots organizations; of these, nine are Agricultural Production Cooperatives (CPA); and 20, Credit and Service Cooperatives (CCS). Among the nine CPAs, we have seven dedicated to the planting and harvesting of sugarcane.
"Here, the main crops are bananas and cassava, now we intend to diversify production because we do not meet the demand for sweet potato and taro. A selection of producers is being made, mainly from the northern region, with a greater water reserve.”
A good example is the CCS “José Manuel Rodríguez,” dedicated to various crops and livestock, made up of valuable men and women, who challenge numerous problems so that the land bears fruit, for their own benefit and the people.
Santiago García López is one of the associates; he was even a participant in the founding of the unit in July 1991; but long before he chose to produce food, following the route already marked out by his grandfather, from whom he received a piece of land, advice and a lot of wisdom for livestock raising.
“The lands are private; however, I had benefits with the usufruct and now I own some 33 hectares that are dedicated entirely to livestock. My cows were among the first in artificial insemination and they produced a lot until brucellosis came to my land.”
“Now, I have 16 cows, and I am replacing 20. My priorities are to save the calves and produce milk because the drought is very hard. In the rainy season, I intend to deliver about 30 liters a day, as it is not breeding cattle. I am going to resume insemination and that reality will be transformed.
"Since I was born, I have an eternal commitment to the country, and I believe that until I die I will continue to be a proud peasant and a cattle rancher! That is enough to live in peace."
Hernán Oduardo Ferrás thinks similarly, with 76 years of age on his back, and an enormous will to fulfill the commitments that he has for more than 25 years with the Seed Company and also with the people of the province of Las Tunas.
“I work little land, just 2.68 hectares, but I can't take more because the forces are already diminishing. Also, land with water produces three times more because one crop is harvested and another is planted. It is bad when the land has no water. And I have no complaints.
“There are guarantees with the Chaparra River that crosses these lands. It never dries up and when it goes down, it stays with the springs. So I deepen the downspout and keep pulling. I have a turbine that came to me through a project. That's why I don't stop. I pick up corn and then plant small beans, then cassava...
“I have two cows, a bull, and two calves, almost a family. There are some 30 chickens and 60 loose chickens, plus other fattening birds, some pigs, many fruit trees. It is little land, but I multiply it. I want to contribute more; although the forces are decaying. Luckily, my son is here too.”
José Ángel Hernández Ávila has owned land in usufruct since 2008. Many years have passed, and the results are palpable, thus he recently earned the ANAP 60th Anniversary Seal.
“I have 102 head of cattle including cows, heifers, fattening bulls, bulls, yearlings… I also dedicate two hectares to various crops. Last year, I delivered 230 quintals of pumpkin, a ton and a half of corn, and a half-ton of beans.
“In 2020, I delivered more than 29 thousand liters of milk and that was possible due to the management of the herd, separated by categories; and the confrontation with the drought, with protection for the calves and milking cows; besides the guarantee of water and fodder.
“I sow king grass, star grass, moringa, and mulberry. I have a well for the corrals and the river passes through the farm. There is a windmill and a turbine. That is why I do not feel worried about this intense drought, and so I will continue producing food.”
That is also the commitment of the other peasants - Zaldívar Meneses assures -, who are motivated by a broad package of measures approved by the State to increase food production and benefit those who make it possible.
