Havana, Cuba.- Cuba is working on the implementation of five programs related to conventional and alternative food production, genetics, reproduction and animal health of pigs, a specialized source reported Thursday.

In an interview with Prensa Latina, Joaquin Diaz, director general of the Swine Research Institute, considered that these five programs have a fundamental strategic character for the cattle business group.

We are including as substitutes for imports the development of protein plants in the diet of pigs, such as the production of mulberry, moringa and other additional food crops.

The Institute also focuses on the new food management model, under which producers must guarantee 60 percent of food production and 40 percent of socialist enterprise.

In addition, production capacities are expanded in genetic centers and facilities are created to reach two kilograms of pork per capita as part of territorial self-sufficiency.

Diaz said they also work on the projection of development until 2030, which pursues the sustained increase in pork production.

Similarly, related to this objective, in a support group aimed at seeking greater efficiency and effectiveness in the production indicators of the pig program.

The center works together with the Swine Technology Division, the Livestock Business Group and other organizations such as the Pasture and Forage Institute, the Animal Science Institute (ICA) and the National Center for Laboratory Animals (Cempalab).

The latter has developed an important animal feed production from moringa and other protein plants. Part of this science, technology and innovation work will be taxed on import substitution.

The institution’s primary objective is the search for an alternative food of national production that allows the substitution of imports, reiterated its director general.

Diaz highly valued sugarcane and its byproducts and derivatives, including b honey and torula yeast as ‘one of the most important sources of alternative food in Cuba, and even the cultivation of sugarcane by producers participating in agreements with that agro-industry’.