The second phase of the agricultural cooperation initiative, "Sembrando Vida," has officially commenced in the province of Holguín, aiming to benefit 1,500 farmers and their families residing in the municipalities of Calixto García, Báguanos, and Cacocum.
Spearheaded by the Mexican Agency for International Development Cooperation (AMEXCID), this project plans to provide selected farmers with essential supplies, high-quality seeds, modern machinery, agricultural technology, and technical training.
During the project's launch event, AMEXCID's executive director, Alejandra del Moral Vela, clarified the nature of the support, stating, "We are not here to give you gifts; we are here to strengthen what you have learned over generations."
According to a report by Radio Angulo, Del Moral Vela emphasized that the program goes beyond theoretical support, involving tangible transfers of productive resources to bolster local agriculture.
Representing the farming community, producer Nubia Santiesteban Díaz highlighted the program's impact on enhancing the involvement of women in agricultural activities and increasing crop yields.
The ceremony was attended by key figures, including the First Vice Minister of Agriculture, Rodolfo Rodríguez Expósito; the Mexican Ambassador to Cuba, Miguel Díaz Reynoso; and the First Secretary of the Communist Party in the province, Joel Queipo Ruíz.
The program's launch in Holguín is part of a staggered rollout across other provinces. Ciego de Ávila held its inaugural event the previous Tuesday, and Las Tunas followed suit on the same Wednesday, with both regions also targeting 1,500 farmers each.
Overall, the second phase of "Sembrando Vida" spans eight Cuban provinces, as reported by the Prensa Latina agency. It is funded with 588 million Mexican pesos—equivalent to over 34 million dollars—secured through a donation agreement between Bancomext, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, AMEXCID, and Banco del Bienestar, as confirmed in an official document last May.
This initiative arrives amidst a severe agricultural crisis in Cuba: rice production plummeted from 304,000 tons in 2018 to just 111,000 by 2025, meeting less than 20% of national demand, while the country imports between 70% and 80% of its consumed food.
The first phase of "Sembrando Vida" in Cuba began in 2023 in Artemisa and Mayabeque, benefiting around 5,000 registered participants across 22 municipalities, with 31 support technicians and the establishment of two nurseries equipped with solar irrigation systems.
Under the leadership of President Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico has maintained a dynamic cooperation policy with the Cuban regime, which included sending over 3,100 tons of humanitarian aid since February 2026, despite suspending crude oil shipments in January of the same year.
Understanding the Impact of "Sembrando Vida" in Cuba
What is the main goal of the "Sembrando Vida" program in Cuba?
The primary objective of "Sembrando Vida" is to provide Cuban farmers with essential resources, training, and technology to enhance local agriculture and improve livelihoods.
Which provinces are included in the second phase of "Sembrando Vida"?
The second phase of "Sembrando Vida" covers eight provinces, including Holguín, Ciego de Ávila, and Las Tunas.
How has the agricultural crisis impacted Cuba?
Cuba's agricultural crisis has led to a significant drop in rice production and increased dependency on imported food, covering less than 20% of national demand locally.