Camagüey, June 14.– The Las Mercedes Base Business Unit (UEB), belonging to the Rectángulo livestock company, has fattening as its fundamental activity, in addition, “we have the project of a seed farm, and the sowing of protein plants for animal feed, of six hectares,” said Clemente Barba Alonso, Director of the Company.
An entity that until a few months ago showed losses is now reversing its accounts. “We have a fattening pasture with twenty-five animals, a sheep shed on a platform, which we are rebuilding, with thirty animals for fattening and also a rabbit shed with fifty breeders.”
In addition, they are dedicated to various crops, mainly cassava, sweet potatoes and bananas. “5.8 hectares of cassava are already ready and we are going to plant two more of plantains, we still need to finish 25 of cassava and two of sweet potatoes. Everything is under irrigation, since to help the work process these days they are completing the installation of an irrigation system, a reel that will allow better management of the area.
– You have an important role in the livestock program.
– Due to the historical production levels of this UEB and its potential, it has always been a pillar in the country’s livestock development and in the issue of genetic improvement, not only from feeding but also to improve the mass.
“In the municipality there are 53,000 heads of cattle, 80% of them in the private sector. We have taken on the task of increasing births in the state part with heifer yards, and promoting a center for future studs with 148 animals.
“So far we have met the birth and reproduction indicators so far this year, an encouraging result for the work.”
In parameters associated with this such as milk production, they have managed to stabilize the delivery of 13,000 liters per day, numbers that are below the plan and are associated with the lack of water and organizational and control processes.
“We still have to be able to visit each producer so that they comply with their contracting plan with the State. In addition, we managed to place cold thermoses in the Palo Seco quarry and in the Cuatro Caminos area to improve storage and thus increase delivery levels.”
The productions of this UEB are destined for social consumption and contribution to the self-sufficiency of the municipality. At Las Mercedes, although they still have debts with the working conditions of their 35 employees, such as salary dividends, still far from what they can obtain, they are aware of the value of the contribution they make and intend to increase results. (Text: Carmen Luisa Hernández Loredo/RCA collaborator, photo: Alejandro Rodríguez/Periódico Adelante)
