Guantánamo.- The municipality of Maisí produced approximately 70 tons of charcoal up to October 23rd. While this amount falls short of the production forecast, it confirms the progress and efforts made in the Cuban eastermost end for recovering one of its traditional industries.
For many years, the charcoal produced in Río Seco and other locations along the Maisí coast was renowned. This reputation is being re-established, and efforts are underway to boost the production of charcoal in areas like La Mesa, where uvilla (cape gooseberry), lily, and carbonero (a type of tree) yield a high-quality product due to the hardness of these abundant woods.
To reverse the recent downturn, Alberto Fernández Marzo, director of the Maisí Agroforestry Company, explains that “the first step was to engage in dialogue with the charcoal producers, provide them with better support, and supply them with chainsaws and tools. We reached an agreement with the producers to pay them 12 pesos per kilogram. Therefore, the charcoal producers’ income is around 12,000 pesos for a one-ton kiln.” he said.
