With the coordination and backing of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) China Office, the Cuban delegation, comprising representatives from Cuba’s Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment, local agricultural science institutions, farmers’ associations, and the WFP Cuba Country Office, undertook a study tour in China. In Beijing, their itinerary included the National Agro-Tech Extension and Service Centre under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the Central Agricultural Broadcasting and Television School, the Institute of Vegetables and Flowers of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and the Ministry of Emergency Management. Discussions centred around the production, research, and technological extension for various crops, farmer training, and the prediction and early warnings for natural calamities. Their study also took them to Zhejiang Province, specifically Xiaoshan District in Hangzhou and Zhuji County-level City in Shaoxing, to understand approaches to rural development, from village infrastructure to the concept of “one village, one product”, and the promotion of agricultural product industrial chains and rural e-commerce.
The Cuban delegation visits the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences.
Rice, constituting 70% of staple food consumption in Cuba, faces domestic production shortfalls owing to outdated varieties, shortage of essential agronomic inputs like herbicides and fertilisers, and a limited technological acumen. The Cuban representatives acknowledged China's successes in the agricultural realm, especially concerning rice, maize, and vegetable research and production, stressing the importance of crop variety development, production techniques, and farmer training. They expressed a desire for enhanced Sino-Cuban collaboration in these domains.
Luis Placido Ortega Izquierdo from the WFP Cuba Country Office conveyed the Cuban Agriculture Minister's interest in garnering China’s expertise and collaboration in hybrid rice, aiming to introduce hybrid rice germplasm to Cuba and jointly enhance Cuba’s rice productivity.
The Cuban delegation visits the Sanwei Village Vegetable Base.
In Zhejiang, the delegation was introduced to ten exemplary models adopted by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs to technologically augment crop yields and boost rural economic growth. Visits to villages like Meilin and Xiaoshan's Sanwei illuminated the digital management of rice production, the autonomy of villagers, and initiatives like celery production and e-commerce facilities. They also explored the pearl industry chain in Xinchangle Village, Zhuji.
The Cuban delegation visits the Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Zhejiang Province.
Expressing gratitude for the warm reception, the Cuban delegation acknowledged the trip's value. Dr. C. Robert Manuel Leyva Martínez, from the Extension and Research Unit of Agricultural Sciences of Holguin, envisions sustained collaboration with the WFP and a comprehensive agricultural partnership with China, emphasising the enhancement of the farm produce value chain.
Dr. Martinez speaks at the symposium.
