The most extreme drought in 115 years strongly affects food production in Cuba
The 2015 ongoing drought in Cuba has now severely affected about 87 000 tons of country's year rice production, the Ministry of Agriculture (MINAG) stated on December 14, 2015.
The drought conditions of this year have now been regarded as the worst over the last 115 years, according to the National Climate Center. More than 70% of the country is labeled as either "severe" or "extreme" dependent on the location.
More than 70 percent of the Caribbean island’s territory is affected by what is being labeled either “severe” or “extreme” dependent on location. This content was originally published by teleSUR at the following address: "http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Historic-Drought-Affects-1-Million-People-in-Cuba-20151217-0003.html". If you intend to use it, please cite the source and provide a link to the original article. www.teleSURtv.net/englis
More than 70 percent of the Caribbean island’s territory is affected by what is being labeled either “severe” or “extreme” dependent on location. This content was originally published by teleSUR at the following address: "http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Historic-Drought-Affects-1-Million-People-in-Cuba-20151217-0003.html". If you intend to use it, please cite the source and provide a link to the original article. www.teleSURtv.net/english
More than 70 percent of the Caribbean island’s territory is affected by what is being labeled either “severe” or “extreme” dependent on location. This content was originally published by teleSUR at the following address: "http://www.telesurtv.net/english/news/Historic-Drought-Affects-1-Million-People-in-Cuba-20151217-0003.html". If you intend to use it, please cite the source and provide a link to the original article. www.teleSURtv.net/english
"Cuban farmers have been working hard to try and achieve the 252 000 tons of planned rice harvest. However, only 165 000 tons was harvested successfully due to extremely drought-stricken land," Lazar Diaz, the CEO of Agroindustrial Group Minag, said. According to teleSUR, this means that about 1 million people are currently affected by the severe drought.
"This has been a tough year for farmers, especially for rice, which aims to deliver more rice to the economy and import substitution depend on rainfall and stored water," Diaz said.
Rice production is vital for the Cuba island, as an average resident consumes over 70 kg of grains in one year, which means the total population on average requires 700 000 tons per year.
To meet the country's food requirements, the farmers continue collecting the largest possible amounts.
In 2016, the rice production on Cuba is expected to reach about 538 000 tons, which is enough to supply 60% of the total need.
Featured image credit: EFE
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