With the aim of promoting local development from the agronomic sciences, the Tercer Frente Agroforestry Experimental Station in Santiago de Cuba is promoting genetic research into foodstuffs for high consumption.

According to Dayamí Viltre, head of the Genetics and Plant Health group, the use of thermal chambers allows banana plants to be obtained in approximately 15 days, a process that reduces production periods.

She affirmed the challenges imposed by the use of this novel technology in the interests of strengthening food sovereignty, and highlighted among the benefits of the procedure the achievement of up to six offspring per cone of the crop used.

According to Viltre, the thermal chamber is an accessible, economical and easy-to-use option for small farmers, as it eliminates pests and diseases and boosts the multiplication rate.

The study of coffee and cocoa becomes a fundamental objective of the institution, in order to ensure high quality products, however, the incursion into the planting of bananas and other viands is essential for the development of the municipality, he said.

He pointed out the advances in new techniques for the propagation of the Robusta variety of the aromatic grain, since through the process of somatic embryogenesis, they select segments of leaves from the plant itself, form keys and, with the implants created, guarantee specimens identical to those of origin.

Among its programmes, the Agroforestry Experimental Station of the territory also effectively develops the production and marketing of edible mushrooms as a bio-healthy food, while strengthening the industrial yield of the bean, due to its importance for the national economy.