In the middle of the extensive sugar cane fields, in Villa Clara, there is a unique research center of its kind: the Territorial Sugar Cane Research Station (ETICA).
Since its founding in 1984, it has played a critical role in solving the challenges facing commercial production of this iconic crop.
In a lush and fertile natural environment, the ETICA Centro Villa Clara stands as a beacon of knowledge and technology. Its objective is clear: to find innovative and efficient solutions to improve the quality and reduce the costs of sugarcane production, always with a focus on the sustainability of the agricultural ecosystem and adaptation to climate change.
This center is part of the INICA network and houses the sugar group’s only biofactory in the country. However, this biofactory is not limited only to the production of sugarcane bioplants, but is also dedicated to the development of other crops, such as bananas, taro, bomb fruit and protein plants.
“Recently, we have ventured into vanilla production in collaboration with Mexico and Cenpalab,” Irenaldo Delgado Mora, director of the station, tells us. “In addition, we are working on flower production, which is another distinctive aspect of our center.”
But perhaps one of the most outstanding elements of ETICA is its international soil reference center. Here are samples of the soils where sugar cane is grown in the country, collected in the form of monoliths. This center is the largest in Latin America and provides valuable information on soils and their degradation over recent decades.
“We have experimental blocks from the north coast to the south of Cuba,” explains Delgado Mora. “This allows us to monitor throughout the entire cultivation cycle, from laying to the production of new varieties of cane, a process that can last 10 to 15 years. “The varieties and seeds are selected based on the type of soil and climatic conditions, which is crucial to obtain good results.”
At ETICA, the focus is on working closely with producers and adapting sugarcane varieties to each individual’s needs. “We never impose a variety of sugarcane,” says the director of the entity. “Everything is evaluated and tested in collaboration with farmers. However, the weather can be a determining factor. For example, if there is a lot of humidity, the cane does not mature properly.”
Within its facilities, a passionate team of researchers and scientists works tirelessly to execute science and technological innovation projects. Its mission is clear and motivating: to design, validate and carry out research that allows obtaining sugar cane crops of the highest quality, while reducing production costs.
The ETICA Centro Villa Clara is proud of its scientific potential, with renowned researchers and experts in the field of sugar cane. These highly qualified professionals, with doctorate and master’s degrees, contribute their vast knowledge and experience to drive the advancement of the sugarcane industry.
Source: Cubadebate
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