Benefits of GM crops

For the time being, there is no commercial production of transgenic crops in Cuba. Yet, Cuban farmers that planted GM maize under controlled conditions were able to increase their yields from the 1,500 kg per hectare that they were used to harvest using traditional varieties, to more than 5,000 kg per hectare by adopting this technology. Farmers even estimate that yields could continue to improve by adjusting husbandry practices and improving coordination among all those involved in the process. This achievement is an example of innovation and technology transfer where researchers, farmers, companies and governmental authorities join their efforts for the purpose of attaining the same goal: increase maize production. Also, an increased maize production would contribute to import substitution schemes.

 

   

 

   

For further information regarding benefits

 

• Campesinos cubanos inician cultivo de maíz híbrido transgénico. Alain Jimenez (2020)