The need to take steps now to ensure the supply of cattle feed and water during the dry season (November-April) was emphasized by Second Party Secretary José Ramón Machado Ventura, during a visit to the eastern province of Granma.

Machado, also a vice president of the Councils of State and Ministers, insisted on the urgent necessity of securing water supplies in areas facing shortages, and devoting more land to the cultivation of drought-resistant grasses and forage, to prepare for the coming months when precipitation is lower.

He noted that the province's ranchers and dairy farmers had completed the first part of 2016 in a positive situation, highlighting the fact that 12.6 million liters of milk has been collected by the state wholesaler thus far this year, surpassing plans by 20%.

Likewise, beef projections are being met at 107% of expectations; those for meat from smaller livestock at 116%; and for eggs, 104%.

On the other hand, pork production has been affected by instability in the delivery of raw materials used in the preparation of feed, he noted.

Granma provincial Party Secretary Federico Hernández commented that, although results have been mostly good, many untapped opportunities for growth and savings exist, given the talent and experience available in the province.

As part of his visit to Granma, Machado also met with the leadership of five sugar mills in the region, to review progress on repair and maintenance efforts underway at this time of year.

He reaffirmed that resources are available to ensure that the mills are in optimal condition to ensure efficiency, when the sugar harvest begins.