Cuba plants potato to boost local production

Farmers in the central Cuban province of Ciego de Avila are planting over 60,000 acres of potato to meet the food deficit caused by hurricanes Gustav and Ike.



Local Agriculture Delegate, Benito Migoya, said they would plant approximately 3,000 acres during the remainder of this month.



Migoya said the aim is to collect four million pounds in early 2009 to supply Ciego de Avila and other provinces of the country.



He points out that four local state-owned companies, three cooperative farms and several individual farmers are engaged in the potato harvest.



Migoya said other short-cycle crops are being planted to guarantee food supplies and to meet the demand for banana and plantain on the domestic market, which were severely damaged by the hurricanes.