To widen its variety of tropical fruits, Cuba is now experimenting to grow peaches, informed Adolfo Rodríguez Nodal, director of the National Institute of Fundamental Research on Tropical Agriculture (INIFAT, acronym in Spanish).

Small parcels (2.47 acres) have been planted from western Pinar del Rio province to Granma in the eastern part of the island in order to collect enough seeds for nurseries. Plantations have already flowered throughout the country.

"It's a new experience, advancing satisfactorily, as we collect more seeds there will be more knowledge about this crop", he said to the National Information Agency (AIN).

Peaches are ideal for all kinds of persons and its fiber prevents and lessens constipation, contributes to reduce the cholesterol index and makes an efficient control of glucose concentration in the blood in patients with diabetes.

Rodriguez Nodal, who is also head of the National Urban Agriculture Group, said planting of chayote is also being stimulated. This vegetable is hoped to fill the state-run farmers' markets in the future.

Source: Prensa Latina