During 2024, hiring agricultural products has been one of the main challenges for specialists in the sector, the National Association of Small Farmers, and the political and governmental authorities in the province of Las Tunas.

Las Tunas, Cuba.- Progress has been negligible considering that the process was supposed to be completed by 2023. However, as of 31 May, only 16,326 landholders, or 74 percent of the total, had agreed to produce.

There are delays in all the municipalities, but the ones that are making the least progress are Puerto Padre, Majibacoa, and Jobabo, where an extensive plan of visits to the owners or usufructuaries, both private and state, is being imposed to speed up what should have been finished long ago.

Of the main indicators, the only one that is doing well is that of miscellaneous crops - one hundred percent, with 122,429 tons - although "Amancio" does not exceed the provincial average and must complete the actions because this will result in more food for the population.

For milk, the territory of Las Tunas has a plan of more than 25 million 931,800 liters; however, up to the fifth month of the year, only 22 million 024,253 liters have been agreed upon, for 85 percent. According to information from the delegation of the Ministry of Agriculture, the biggest arrears are registered in Manatí and Jobabo.

Beef production has debts, as well, because, out of a plan of 5,263 tons, 4,074 tons were contracted. Majibacoa, Manatí, and Puerto Padre, the territory with the worst management of livestock activity, are affected in this line, which is so important for by-products elaboration.

For several years, the Meat and Dairy companies have failed to comply with the established timeframe for contracting; despite constant extensions, several agricultural producers evade their responsibility or deliver less than the agreed quantities.

Among the causes of the problem is insufficient control of the real potential of livestock owners. There has also been a lack of demand on the part of the boards of directors of some production units, including a lack of direct dialogue with the owners.

Recovering what has not been contracted is one of the goals, which means reaching every corner of the province, wherever there is a farm. Only in this way will the process succeed.