The productive results of the Calixto Sarduy agricultural production cooperative (CPA), from Becerra, in the municipality of Las Tunas, have been constant in recent years; despite that various circumstances point to the contrary, especially the lack of rains.

Las Tunas, Cuba.- However, in the face of adversity, the associates unite their fists and face all situations to produce more food for the people, support community tasks, and improve the economy of the CPA and the families of the 96 members and 19 linked peasants.

Right now, they have another merit that makes them proud, although they believe that what has already been done is not enough. The "Calixto Sarduy" will host the main event in the province to mark May 17, the Farmers' Day, when the 61st anniversary of the National Association of Small Farmers (ANAP) is also celebrated.

Manuel Pérez Gallego, a member of the Central Committee of the Cuban Communist Party (PCC) and its first secretary in Las Tunas, recently praised the alternatives used by the cooperative members to improve the soils, which are mostly evaluated as fair and poor. He also recognized the performance of the board of directors in leading all the processes, as well as the use of animal traction for the preparation of the different areas, of organic matter as fertilizer, and the application of science and technology.

SUCCESSFUL FIRST QUARTER

Reydenis González Céspedes, president of the "Calixto Sarduy", knows of despair when there is a sick animal or the food for the cattle begins to be scarce. Also when the months go by and not even a black cloud drops its tiny drops, or if the ground cracks due to the intensity of the sun and the lack of nutrients.

But he knows of collective efforts, of days in which all the workers go to the fields, of rainy or cold mornings in which the truck waits for the milk to reach its destinations, and of the smile of those who live in Becerra and buy food, grains, fruits, and vegetables at a lower price.

“Today we are exceeding the collection of milk, with more than 200 liters per day. Every month we must deliver seven thousand liters to the Dairy Industry and we have two thousand above the plan. At the end of the year, we will have fulfilled the 200,000 planned litters without problems, because we direct the birth rate and from now on the cows begin to give birth.

“More than a ton of meat has been delivered in the first four months. Our plan for the year is 60, and there will be no problems either. In the various crops, we also comply with the viands and vegetables, fundamentally. Regarding fruit, we have an excellent mango harvest.
“As for the food of the animals, we are fine. We have 11 hectares of associations of Mulato grass with Leucaena, marandú, and alligator silvopasture. There is King Grass and enough protein plants, which guarantee food for the livestock module.”

OTHER RESULTS

Since its foundation, on April 20, 1979, The Calixto Sarduy agricultural production cooperative has been the center of the community, whether it is repairing a road or a doctor's office, or supporting different activities, such as the vaccination days against COVID-19.

Aldo Pérez Salazar, president of the ANAP in the municipality of Las Tunas, recalled that the CPA has been selected National Vanguard on several occasions and, he added, some of its associates are prominent at the municipal, provincial, and national levels.

“Besides, the unit has a complete board of directors, plus the livestock module and the entire infrastructure, like its identification fence, the José Martí Plaza, the socio-cultural circle, offices, and dining room.

"For the associates, the celebration of the provincial act for the Farmer’s Day next Sunday, May 15, will be the reward for so much effort," he concluded.