The Consas project in Cuba is technically supported by FAO

Havana, Jan 27 (RHC) The application of the project Strengthening the integrated knowledge management system for food security in Cuba -Consas-, yields favorable results in various agricultural spheres of this country, as announced by FAO.

This program, implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture (MINAG) with the technical support of the FAO Representation, is an alternative for animal nutrition, according to the international organization.

This project, executed in 2023, provided among some of its results the genetic improvement of sheep and goats, the establishment of germplasm banks, and the introduction of new varieties of tomato, pepper, cucumber and carrot.

Its results were announced at a meeting held in the central province of Sancti Spíritus, with the participation of members of that program at the national, territorial and municipal levels.

Representatives of the MINAG science directorates, the Ministry of Higher Education (MES) and Science, Technology and Environment (CITMA), municipal governments and other actors linked to food production also attended.

Consas promotes comprehensive training in four priority chains: fruit trees, vegetables, meats and small livestock, as well as the introduction of new practices and innovative technologies for food production in six municipalities in the central region of Cuba.

Yanaisy Sáez, national coordinator of the project, highlighted that producers from 21 demonstration farms benefited as part of the agricultural innovation and extension actions.

At the same time, the improvement of services linked to pest management, artificial insemination, animal and plant health, and soil analysis is promoted with the acquisition of equipment and supplies such as veterinary medicines, artificial insemination kits and ultrasound equipment for clinical and gestational diagnosis.

Other equipment such as a microorganism freeze-dryer, mixers, scales and refrigerated orbital screen enhance the production of biopesticides and contribute to improving the quality of the strains that constitute the active ingredient from which new bioproducts are generated.

This action is part of the implementation of Decree Law 64-2022 on the production, development and use of biofertilizers, biostimulants and biopesticides for agricultural use in the country, according to the expert.

Consas also contributed to strengthening alliances and collaboration networks between key actors for food security in the municipality, such as producers, science, technology and innovation entities, universities and service units.

To this end, it is working on the implementation of an Integrated Knowledge Management System and a digital platform that will allow the replication of good practices for agricultural management and production. (Source: PL)