Guantanamo.-The coffee harvest, a vital economic activity in the Guantánamo highlands and crucial for exports, is progressing across the eight municipalities involved in production, though the pace varies.
As of last report, Baracoa is leading with 85 percent of its harvest completed, followed by Maisí at 58 percent and San Antonio del Sur at 48 percent. The other municipalities, including Imías (38%), Yateras (26%), Niceto Pérez (25%), El Salvador (11%), and Manuel Tames (7%), are lagging behind.
It’s important to note that the slower progress in El Salvador and Manuel Tames is due to their higher volume of Robusta coffee, which matures later than Arabica.
Baracoa’s situation is further complicated by its modest projected yield of 4,905 cans. Overall, the province has achieved 36 percent of its harvest plan, with the final results for Arabica expected to be clearer by the end of October and into November, before the Robusta harvest concludes.
In terms of the harvest’s key performance metric—the fulfillment of the collection plan in tons of green coffee—the province has gathered 155 tons out of a target of 557, equating to 27.8 percent. Maisí is the standout performer, contributing 106 tons, or 53 percent of its goal, which is promising given its status as the largest producer in the province.
The easternmost municipality also reports the highest volume of ripe coffee at 25,000 cans, followed by Yateras with 3,622. So far, 73 percent of the harvested beans have been pulped, with San Antonio del Sur, Maisí, Manuel Tames, and Imías leading in this aspect.
