Holguin Promotes Tobacco Campaign with a Sustainable Focus

With the goal of planting 468 hectares and utilizing photovoltaic irrigation systems, the eastern province of Holguin is currently advancing its 2026-2027 tobacco campaign to boost this key export commodity.

The production strategy involves over 300 farmers and four basic business units dedicated to leaf processing. The production plan is backed by 336 percent progress in seedling preparation. More than 1,700 seedbeds being readied to ensure planting concludes before January 15th.

Lourdes Colón Coba, Agricultural Director of the Holguin Tobacco Collection, Processing, and Rolling Enterprise. She explained that the previous season offered harsh lessons following the impact of Hurricane Melissa. That weather event reduced the harvest yield to 152 tons and forced the exclusion of flood-prone areas in the municipality of Sagua de Tanamo.

To tackle fuel supply challenges—with 3,690 liters of diesel delivered so far. Farmers are implementing alternatives using oxen and are arranging the transport of solar panels from Pinar del Rio to install 30 photovoltaic systems, benefiting approximately 70 hectares.

Four local business units are coordinating leaf collection and processing. While the industry is motivating producers with a total incentive of 3.7 percent in US dollars—3.6 percent for the tobacco growers and 0.1 percent for the production entities. Thereby strengthening areas with deep-rooted traditions, such as Banes and Velasco (in the municipality of Gibara).

Against this backdrop, the Jesús Menéndez Larrondo Credit and Services Cooperative—represented by producers such as Adalí Tamayo Castro—is organizing its operations. Also to plant two hectares and surpass previous yield levels. Supported by a technological package that includes fertilizers and insecticides.

Yailí Rey Velázquez, General Director of the tobacco entity, reaffirmed the sector’s commitment to export deliveries during the campaign launch event. Highlighting the collective effort to sustain economic activity despite material challenges.