Cuba 74 - In the tobacco field

[Beagletorque]

The day starts early for tobacco farmers and you see them in the twilight making their way out the fields to get started as soon as the sun comes up. By the middle of the day it is just too hot for manual graft. It must be back breaking work cutting acres of tobacco by hand. It stays on the drying poles outside for a few days and is then transferred the short distance to the drying shed by ox cart. This small leaved variety is used for cigarettes rather than for cigars. Photos taken with the E-M1 and 12-40 just after sunrise.

Sunrise.



Cutting by hand.



Straightening up for a distraction.



There's a lot to cut.



Loading the cart.









Off to the drying shed.

[steverh]

Re: Cuba 74 - In the tobacco field

I'm enjoying dipping in and out of your Cuba series.

[Graham_of_Rainham]

Re: Cuba 74 - In the tobacco field

Excellent documentation. Really like the sunrise shot.

[Zuiko]

Re: Cuba 74 - In the tobacco field

So that's what happened to the Marlboro Man!

Once again you demonstrate superb reportage style, this really is excellent work. I wonder what the long term effect is upon the Cuban tobacco industry of the increasing social unacceptability of smoking in Britain and other countries. Is it a case of our health versus their livelihood?

[Guest]

Re: Cuba 74 - In the tobacco field

It's a dastardly industry. Oz compels tobacco companies to display images of hideous lung cancers on cigarette packets.

Like John says, great reportage nonetheless.

[Beagletorque]

Re: Cuba 74 - In the tobacco field

So that's what happened to the Marlboro Man!

Once again you demonstrate superb reportage style, this really is excellent work. I wonder what the long term effect is upon the Cuban tobacco industry of the increasing social unacceptability of smoking in Britain and other countries. Is it a case of our health versus their livelihood?

John, I think the craze for smoking is still on the rise worldwide so any reduction in the UK would be offset. Tobacco is Cuba's 3rd largest source of income so I assume they would be happy to sell it to anyone with the money!

[Wally]

Re: Cuba 74 - In the tobacco field

Yet another superb set of images with the sunrise quite possible the best one of all... so far?

Your posts have provided an insight on Cuba that will possible change in the near future and have provided, I'm sure, a top notch armchair holiday for those who visit the forum.

[Floribunda]

Re: Cuba 74 - In the tobacco field

A really nice set, and yes, the sky in No1 is beautiful.
We used to grow tobacco in the Ovens Valley in Victoria - not far from where Mark (Pandora) lives. Not any more as far as I know, I think it may even be prohibited.
The hill backdrop in No6 even reminds me of that valley in Australia.

[DavyG]

Re: Cuba 74 - In the tobacco field

A very nice set, the first pic is gorgeous.

Dave

[OM USer]

Re: Cuba 74 - In the tobacco field

Super interesting again. Keep going.