• Submitted by: manso
• Business and Economy
• 03 / 17 / 2011

---

2011.03.16 / radiorebelde.icrt.cu. HAVANA, CUBA.- The introduction of new technologies such as the double-row planting method will allow Cuban farmers to increase efficiency in the cultivation of what many people regard as the best tobacco of the world.

Oscar Basulto, director of the business group TABACUBA, told ACN that this technique is being successfully implemented in the westernmost province of Pinar del Rio as it allows to make the most of the cultivable land.

The method also reduces the appearance of weeds and it favors the works of irrigation, fumigation and harvesting. At the same time, it contributes to the saving of oil.

According to data provided by specialists in the sector, with this technique, yields increase between 25 and 30 percent as the number of plants per hectare also increases.
 
Hector Luis, a tobacco grower of the municipality of San Luis in Pinar del Rio selected as Habano Man 2008, said the method also contributes to the reduction of materials used such as fabric and wire.

According to reports from the Ministry of Agriculture, exports and sales of Cuban tobacco in 2010 reached 95% of the plan due to difficulties with the arrival of imports, an aggressive international anti-tobacco campaign, and the current international financial crisis.(ACN)