T II E C U B A u i: V I i: \v 



15 



Tracklayer "Best" hauling 10-bottom plow, preparing soil for planting sugar cane. 



(Courtesy of Havana Fruit Co.) 



FIELD PRACTICE IN CUBA 



By Sterling C. Lines. 



The problem of sugar production in Cuba up to this time has centered Largely in 

 the manufacture of sugar, with cane production assumed as a natural expectation. 

 Consideration has been centered on factory operation, with only sufficient attention 



to the field to insure a more or less adequate cane supply at a c paratively low 



cost. Loose methods prevail on the agricultural side of- the industry that would not 

 for a moment be permitted in the mill. 



NOT THE FAULT OF THE COLONO 

 Criticism of agricultural methods generally followed in Cuba is not necessarily a 

 reflection on the colono. lie follows the practices in which he has been brought up 

 and in few instances is the opportunity afforded him of obtaining practical informa- 

 tion on improved field practice. In the presenl stage of development of the industry 

 the colono is an important economic unit. While it is probable that in the future 

 there will be an increasing production of administration cane, yet the colono will 

 continue to be necessary to large production. His co-operation in cultivation and 

 harvesting is well nigh indispensable. What is needed particularly is a closer work- 

 ing relationship between the company and the colono, with assistance and supervision 

 by the former of some of the operations which it is difficult for the grower, unaided, 

 to perform in the most efficient manner. 



PREPARING THE SEED LED 



The most important single operation in sugar production is the preparation of a 

 good seed hod for planting. In Cuba, on old cane lands, this is difficult for the colono 

 to perforin. The soils are heavy — they frequently do not scour on the share — and 

 plowing beyond a depth of perhaps six inches frequently requires more power than 

 can be supplied by oxen. Good tractor operation in this work cannot be expected of 

 the colono, at least not without preliminary training and instruction. It is a task 

 that should become one of the operations <>f the company. Such a plan would not 

 operate to the prejudice of labor in any way and would be welcomed by the colono 

 once it was proved that it paid. 



The colono today actually spends more per unit of area in an effort to make a 

 good seed bed than such work would cost if properly done by tractors and suitable 

 tools, let alone that the tractor work would be much better done. Under this plan 

 much land of short haul that now produces but 35,000 arrobas to the caballeria 

 (under 13 tons to the acre) may be made to produce 50,000 arrobas or more, with a 



