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PINAR DEL RIO, April 11 (Víctor Rolando Arroyo, UPECI /
www.cubanet.org) The government's decision to reduce by 40 percent the area
planted in coffee is expected to adversely affect local producers.
"At the end of the 90s the government distributed parcels, to be paid
later, in order to increase coffee production. In spite of the total lack of
resources, the small farms prospered through family efforts, and now they are
denying them authorization to continue with their work," complained Evilio
Ruiz, 57, who lives in the 'El Abrón' farm, in San Cristóbal
municipality.
Ruiz said between 1980 and 1990, he witnessed the government's program to
increase coffee production. At that time, the government came up with a scheme
which involved creating military units for cultivating coffee in the mountainous
areas of the province. In the end, the plan caused enormous losses and the weeds
took over. Government planners then handed over parcels to private producers.
"In spite of the difficulties and scarcity, the area produces an
excellent bean, but the government pays producers between 14 and 16 pesos (0.59
dollar) for 13 kilograms (28.6 pounds) of coffee berries, which yield about 5.5
kilograms (12 pounds) of coffee beans. This coffee is then exported at about 6
dollars the kilogram," said a coffee expert.
The latest government initiative means some producers will have to abandon
coffee for lower value crops.
Versión
original en español
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