The Cuban Government plans to invest between US$150 million and US$200 million to revive a citrus industry that has lost 80% of production over the last two decades, media agency AFP reported.

State-run Fruit Business Group (GEF) technical director Luis Alberto Torres, told AFP the investment project would involve an intensive agricultural program based on high yields and new crops.

He said preparation for the project began in 2008 and involved the introduction of pest-resistant crops, intercropping with different fruit and greater farmer support, the story reported.

Website Terra.com.co reported Cuba exported one million metric tons (MT) of oranges and grapefruit to the Soviet Union in 1990, but its break-up the following year meant the Caribbean country lost its major trading partner.

The move comes amid a rapid spread of disease Huanglongbing (HLB) in Cuba, while President Raúl Castro has been promoting a policy of agricultural reform to reduce import dependency.

Photo: Brian Snelson, Wikimedia Commons

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