On Friday, Vice President Salvador Valdés Mesa acknowledged that the expansion of rice cultivation in Cuba hinges on private sector funding for machinery and supplies, amidst a crisis that has left the nation producing only a small fraction of the rice it consumes.
During a visit to potential rice-growing areas in Holguín, Valdés Mesa openly admitted that the government lacks the resources necessary to boost production.
At the Mayarí Agricultural Grain Enterprise Unit, the vice president noted there is enough water to cultivate over 800 hectares. However, he urged exploring alternatives in non-state management to address financing and the acquisition of new machinery to modernize the industry and increase production, as reported by the provincial newspaper ¡Ahora!
He remarked, "We are undergoing a transformation in management strategies and new economic players have emerged with financial resources. We must adapt and utilize these to grow."
Local leaders identified the lack of fuel and harvesters as major obstacles in the agricultural campaign.
While in Holguín, Valdés Mesa emphasized, "As long as we have water and land, anyone who wants to plant should plant," assuring that resources will be secured somehow.
According to the source, a small independent company was agreed upon to produce rice in the region, indicating a shift towards private actors to sustain a struggling rice program.
This approach aligns with statements made in September in Cienfuegos, where the vice president advocated for granting large land parcels to individuals with financial means to purchase their own equipment.
At that time, he admitted that over $400 million is allocated annually for imports, while the country produces only about 11% of its rice consumption.
However, data from provinces like Cienfuegos tells a different story: in 2023, only 10,000 tons were harvested, half of what is needed for self-sufficiency, and in cooperatives like Juan Manuel Márquez in Aguada de Pasajeros, planting was reduced to 17 hectares due to drought, electricity issues, and lack of funds to pay workers.
Rice, a staple in the Cuban diet, has become increasingly scarce and difficult to obtain on the island.
In May, the price of rice surpassed 300 pesos per pound in four provinces, reaching 340 pesos in Havana, while in Cienfuegos it sold for 270 pesos despite official controls.
Over the past 15 years, Cuba has become increasingly reliant on rice imports, a situation that has worsened in recent years, forcing the government to depend on donations and allocate hard currency resources to secure rice purchases on the international market, where prices have significantly increased.
In 2024, rice production in Cuba reached only 30% of the 2018 harvest levels, according to official data from the state-run newspaper Granma.
Understanding Cuba's Rice Crisis
Why is Cuba's rice production so low?
Cuba's rice production is low due to a lack of resources, including machinery and fuel, as well as challenges like drought and insufficient financial means to support agricultural workers.
How is the Cuban government addressing the rice shortage?
The government is encouraging private sector involvement to fund machinery and supplies, and is looking to create independent companies to increase production.
What impact has the rice shortage had on Cuban society?
The rice shortage has made the staple food scarce and expensive, impacting the daily diet of Cubans and forcing the government to depend on imports and donations.