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Reviving Henequen Cultivation in Matanzas: A Sustainable Step for Cuba's Economy

Sunday, December 22, 2024 by Elizabeth Alvarado

Reviving Henequen Cultivation in Matanzas: A Sustainable Step for Cuba's Economy
Sisal cultivation - Image © Granma / Efraín Cedeño

Amidst the ongoing economic turmoil, Cuba is turning back to agricultural practices that served as lifelines during the "Special Period" of the 1990s. The resilient and versatile henequen plant is once again being promoted in the province of Matanzas as part of a project aimed at its sustainable recovery and development for the production of ropes and threads.

The Provincial Government of People's Power in Matanzas announced on their Facebook page that researchers from the Center for Biotechnological Studies (CEBIO) at the University of Matanzas, led by Dr. C. Enildo Abreu Cruz, have delivered the first batch of in vitro cultivated henequen plants to the National Natural Fibers Company. This technique, initially developed in the 1990s, has been updated to enhance the quality of the henequen seedlings and ensure their spread across Matanzas fields.

The Multifaceted Value of Henequen

According to the researchers, henequen (Agave fourcroydes Lem.) is a crucial crop in Matanzas, known for its ability to thrive in harsh climatic conditions where other crops may fail. Although traditionally used to produce fibers for ropes and threads, its potential extends far beyond these applications. The scientists highlighted that henequen offers additional benefits that could support sustainable agriculture, as plant residues can be used to make compost, thus reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers.

Recent studies have also shown henequen’s capability as a phytoremediator and the value of its sap, which contains metabolites of pharmaceutical interest and properties that could serve as pesticides. Despite these promising attributes, the project's initiation in 2021 faced challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and a shortage of materials.

Collaboration Drives Progress

Enrique Almeida Ruiz, director of the National Natural Fibers Company, emphasized the significance of collaboration with academic institutions: "This is a crucial step for the development of henequen in Cuba, as we have started its revitalization. With the support of institutions like the University of Matanzas, we can restore plantations nationwide in a short period."

The delivery of these plants exemplifies how science and research could revolutionize agriculture in Cuba—a narrative frequently employed by the regime. The note clarified that, with academic backing and the relentless efforts of researchers, henequen is poised for a "productive rebirth" that will benefit Matanzas and aid the country's struggling economy.

A Historic Crop with Future Promise

Beyond rescuing a crop with undeniable historical value, the project aims to position henequen as a gem of sustainable development, relying on technological innovation and community involvement. According to the state-run newspaper Granma, henequen nearly vanished from the country. Its productive culture dwindled from the 1990s as economic crises and resource shortages severely impacted its cultivation.

Notably, in 1985, Cuba produced over 6,000 tons of henequen fiber, but by 1993, production plummeted so drastically that the nation had to import more than 400 tons to meet demand. This decline not only affected the national industry reliant on the fiber for rope and thread production but also marked the beginning of a near-total abandonment of this once-essential crop in regions like Matanzas.

The plant has been heralded as a "miraculous solution" not only in the 1990s. In 2020, an industrial plant in Cienfuegos produced detergent from henequen leaves, echoing the somber memories of the "Special Period" when hygiene products disappeared from Cuban shelves.

Henequen Cultivation in Cuba: Key Questions Answered

Why is henequen important for Cuba's agriculture?

Henequen is valued for its resilience in adverse climatic conditions and its ability to produce fibers for ropes and threads. Additionally, it offers other benefits such as compostable plant residues and phytoremediation capabilities.

What challenges does the henequen cultivation project face?

The project faces challenges such as the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and a shortage of materials, which have hindered its progress since its inception in 2021.

How has henequen production changed since the 1990s in Cuba?

Henequen production in Cuba has significantly declined since the 1990s, from over 6,000 tons in 1985 to the necessity of importing over 400 tons by 1993 due to a drastic drop in local production.

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