Florida, September 9 – This Friday, Yudier Peña Vargas, the deputy mayor in charge of agricultural programs at the Florida Municipal Administration Council, and members of his team continued their monitoring program on the territory’s rice production and reviewed other agri-food and social issues within the San Antonio Rural People’s Council.
The day began early at the farm of two farmers belonging to the Romárico Cordero Credit and Services Cooperative and the Antonio Maceo Basic Production Unit. They currently produce more than 70 liters of milk, which can be collected directly by the industry instead of being turned into cheese, as is currently the case.
In a demonstration of the slogan «Yes, we can when order and control are defended,» the visitors, along with the cowboys themselves, organized the collection strategy for the Dairy Combine from the spot.
The tour continued with an eye on the 1,400 hectares of land available for rice planting in the Molino Libertad Base Business Unit (UEB) in the San Antonio community. Only around 200 hectares are currently being used, primarily due to the inadequacy of the national electricity system to support the pumping of water to the plantations.
PRELIMINARY CALCULATIONS AND COMMENTS
With better energy conditions for the operation of the 13 electric turbines located in the state’s fields, and with greater state support and resources, the Molino Libertad Base Business Unit (UEB), located in southern Florida, could produce more than 4,000 tons of rice ready for consumption each year, also taking into account the availability of its agricultural machinery, existing human capital, and the industry’s capabilities.
IN SUMMARY, IF WE TALK ABOUT RICE
Rice production undoubtedly constitutes an issue of nutritional security and food sovereignty throughout Cuba, but those who assume the power to govern and decide, at any level, must also know, directly and without being told, where they can advance this significant task most quickly and effectively, and where the ball is being hidden or tricked in this area.
OTHER ACTIONS OF THE DAY IN SAN ANTONIO
The delegation, led by the deputy mayor of the Florida Municipal Administration Council, also visited the facilities of the Family Care System, where deficiencies were found, such as a lack of animal protein in the daily diet and a lunch menu consisting solely of rice, boiled squash, and blind broth. Added to this is an unfavorable image of the facility, which is affected by leaking roofs and a lack of attention to detail.
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE SOCIAL COIN
The satisfaction of the elderly and ample food security were the different aspects of the Carlos Díaz Cervantes Nursing Home in the heart of La Arrocera, where 21 seniors receive humane and dignified treatment, despite significant shortages in the nursing home’s staff.
Breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner, and snacks, supported by the state budget and aided by donations of agricultural products from nearby agricultural and livestock organizations, make the lives of the seniors living in this health institution happier and safer.
CONCLUSIONS
The rice planting and production control schedule in South Florida yielded results in several areas and demonstrated, once again, that administrative reports can also be flawed and must be reviewed on the ground: observing, investigating… Directing, because that’s what the government’s eye is for: meeting the needs of the people.
