Cuba News and Information

DTcuba.com

Havana.- The citrus harvest began on the Isle of Youth (Isla de la Juventud) this month, with prospects to produce 20,000 tons.

Local agricultural authorities pointed out that they expect exports to reach 2,250 tons of orange for the first time.

They added that 7,750 tons of grapefruit would be sold as fresh fruit in the international market.

According to experts, predictions show a steady recovery of citrus production, which was severely affected by three hurricanes that hit the island in less than a year.

Recovery works included the reconstruction of a nursery and the development of new plantations, so authorities expect orange crops to reach 640 hectares by 2004.