The Vietnamese company TBAGRI has officially delivered the first batch of rice grown in Cuba using technology and varieties developed in Vietnam. This project is part of an effort by both governments to boost national production amidst the severe crisis plaguing Cuba's agricultural sector.
The state-run Vietnamese media outlet VOV reported that the delivery was formalized on Tuesday during a ceremony at the headquarters of the Grupo Agrícola (GAG), which is under the Cuban Ministry of Agriculture. The event was attended by Vietnam's ambassador to Havana, Le Quang Long; Cuba's Deputy Agriculture Minister, Telce Abdel González Morera; and representatives from TBAGRI and the Cuban company GRANMAX.
As a component of the project, the Vietnamese company provided more than 470 tons of commercial rice of the OM5451 variety. This was harvested from approximately 940 tons of paddy rice in the municipality of Yara, located in the Granma province.
The Joint Venture's Ambitious Goals
This marks the first tangible outcome of the joint program that TBAGRI is executing in Cuba. The initiative includes a 25-year partnership aiming to expand rice cultivation to 25,000 hectares. The pilot phase began with about 360 hectares planted in Granma.
During the fall-winter 2025-2026 season, the company cultivated 166 hectares, achieving an average yield exceeding seven tons per hectare. This is more than three times the national Cuban average of 2.12 tons per hectare recorded in 2025.
For the summer-autumn campaign this year, the project has already expanded its area to 246 hectares, with estimated yields surpassing 6.5 tons per hectare.
Technology Transfer and Adaptation
TBAGRI attributes these successful outcomes to the transfer of technology developed in the Mekong Delta, one of the world's leading rice-producing regions. They have also introduced Vietnamese varieties such as OM5451 and OM8017, which have adapted well to Cuba's climatic and agricultural conditions.
The rice delivery comes at a particularly challenging time for rice production on the island. Cuba requires between 600,000 and 700,000 tons of rice annually to meet domestic demand. However, in 2024, the country produced only about 80,000 tons, forcing reliance on imports to even satisfy the rationed rice distributed through the country's ration book.
Future Prospects and Challenges
Despite these challenges, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel declared in March that the country could achieve rice self-sufficiency "in a short time." This assertion starkly contrasts with the ongoing decline in national production and the need for international assistance, such as the 60,000-ton rice donation from China in May to alleviate shortages.
Thai Binh Group has maintained a presence in Cuba for nearly three decades and is currently involved in four investment projects worth over $43 million, making it one of the top Vietnamese investors in the country.
The push to increase agricultural production is crucial given the rising food insecurity. According to the Food Monitor Program, in 2026, 33.9% of Cuban households reported that at least one member experienced hunger in the 30 days prior to the survey, a significant increase from 24.6% two years earlier.
FAQs on Cuba's Rice Production and Import Challenges
What is the goal of the joint rice production program between Vietnam and Cuba?
The program aims to expand rice cultivation to 25,000 hectares in Cuba over a period of 25 years, utilizing Vietnamese technology and rice varieties to increase national production.
How much rice does Cuba need annually to meet its domestic demand?
Cuba requires between 600,000 and 700,000 tons of rice each year to fulfill its domestic demand.
How has the joint venture impacted rice yields compared to Cuba's national average?
The joint venture has achieved rice yields exceeding seven tons per hectare, significantly higher than Cuba's national average of 2.12 tons per hectare.
Why is the introduction of Vietnamese rice varieties significant for Cuba?
Vietnamese rice varieties like OM5451 and OM8017 have shown good adaptation to Cuba's climate and agricultural conditions, contributing to increased yields and production efficiency.