HAVANA, CUBA.-  (ACN) Theodor Friedrich, a representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Cuba, advocated sustainable agriculture in this city and presented elements of the International Agenda for Sustainable Development 2030.

The specialist, with more than 20 years of experience, stressed that the 17 objectives included in the Agenda, approved by the United Nations Organization in 2015, constitute a plan of action in favor of people, the planet and prosperity, and can be largely driven by the transformation of agriculture.

He emphasized at the VI Cuban Congress of Local Development, which has been meeting in Bayamo since Tuesday, with the proposed development goals and the collaboration of all countries can achieve the reduction of hunger and poverty in the coming decades.

Friedrich, a doctor in agricultural sciences, explained the benefits of sustainable intensification, a new paradigm proposed by FAO to produce as much food as possible with available technology without leaving permanent footprints on the environment.

He pointed out that intensification is based on achieving a zero-tillage system to promote conservation agriculture, because soil interventions rapidly degrade this non-renewable natural resource.

He emphasized that there are already real results of the application of this technique in several regions of the world, including South America, and there is evidence of an increase and stability of crop yields, a decrease in the use of fertilizers and less environmental costs.

Conservation agriculture opens up new opportunities for diversified and integrated production, reports environmental benefits, diversifies plantings, stimulates the creation of rural industries and improves the
quality of life of peasant families, according to the German specialist.

He added that diversified and local production can change consumption patterns and stimulate healthier diets, as well as reduce health problems from chronic no transmissible diseases.

At the 6th Cuban Congress of Local Development, the international workshop on sustainable agriculture and plant biotechnology is inserted, which aims to socialize experiences to improve and transform the agricultural systems of the country, with the advice of several specialists in the field.