By Raul Estrada Zamora
estrada@enet.cu
Translation: Ernesto Gutierrez Pino

Las Tunas.- The rice producers in Las Tunas province are working to place in the market some 2, 600 tonnes of that grain this year, a figure that, although still very small, surpasses the one sold in 2009.

In order to achieve this objective they expect to sow, in the current spring season (April to August), about 9, 900 hectares, mostly in formerly uncultivated land, granted by the State in usufruct during the last 20 months.

Officials from Ministry of Agriculture in Las Tunas province, stated in this city, 690 kilometers east of Havana, that the cultivation of rice is a high priority, because it is a basic food and very costly in the international market with prices that have come to exceed one thousand dollars per tonne.

Rice production in this Caribbean island lies on thousands of farmers and cooperatives, members of the

Rice cultivation demands big efforts, but it produces big economic earnings.

Every year the population of Las Tunas consumes about 27, 000 tonnes of rice, some 60 kg per capita.

Although some state enterprises are producing that food, Cuba has to make great efforts to avoid dependence on the international market, since it annually consumes about 700, 000 tonnes of that grain, 75 percent of which are imported.

In addition to the effects of the international economic crisis and high food prices, the island suffered a long U.S. blockade which, among other serious harm, hinders its access to the rice market and to some fertilizers for its cultivation.

.Cuban News Agency

.Latin American News Agency