Agroecology practices to increase productivity on Cuba agricultural farms

Abstract

Modern agriculture is moving towards the transformation of agricultural production based on sustainable systems and is nourished by the experiences of organic and traditional agriculture, as well as good agronomic practices. In this scenario, sustainable agricultural development and food security are a strategic priority for Cuba towards economic and social development until 2030. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the application of good agricultural practices in increasing the productivity of three farms in the Jaruco municipality in the Mayabeque province. The period from 2020 (base line) to 2022 was covered. Interviews were applied to farmers to collect information about the innovations implemented to improve production results and the participant observation method was used to verify the effectiveness of the innovation on the increase of the agricultural yields of the evaluated crops. The results allowed to demonstrate that the agroecological reconversion of the farms from the use of good agricultural practices such as the use and management of national products for plant nutrition, varietal diversity, the use of organic fertilizers and management systems of the farms, allowed the increase in the agricultural yield of different crops of economic interest for Cuba, among them 30-60% in sweet potato, 20-50% in beans, 40-50% in corn, with respect to the yields obtained in the year 2020 identified as the base line, thus paying tribute to local food security and sovereignty.