In a move to combat the country's heavy reliance on imports, Cuban Vice President Salvador Valdés Mesa has advocated for granting land to financially capable individuals in Cienfuegos to stimulate domestic rice production. Each year, Cuba spends over $400 million importing rice, yet only manages to produce about 11% of what is consumed by its population.
The rice sector, already struggling due to a lack of resources post-pandemic, possesses land and infrastructure but fails to significantly reduce dependency on foreign imports, as reported by the local telecenter Perlavisión. During discussions with officials, producers, and government representatives, Valdés Mesa highlighted that parcels of 50 to 60 hectares have been allocated to "wealthy individuals" who have even purchased their machinery, demonstrating a preference for those with the financial means to sustain cultivation.
The Vice President stated that if more than 120,000 hectares are cultivated this year with an average yield of two tons per hectare, Cuba could potentially increase rice production by 20%. However, the stark reality in provinces like Cienfuegos reveals significant hurdles, as only 10,000 tons were harvested in 2023, which is half of what is needed for self-sufficiency.
In the Juan Manuel Márquez cooperative at Aguada de Pasajeros, farmers pointed out critical issues hampering cultivation, including drought, electricity shortages, and insufficient funds to pay laborers. Despite these challenges, only 17 hectares of rice were planted, underscoring the limitations facing Cuban agriculture despite official rhetoric about food sovereignty.
Challenges in Achieving Rice Self-Sufficiency
According to the official newspaper 5 de Septiembre, the government purchases rice on the international market for over $800 per ton, selling it in Cuban stores at 10 pesos per pound, while domestically produced rice is sold at agricultural markets for approximately 155 pesos per pound.
"We need to produce all the rice consumed in the territory. We must evaluate contracts and plantings. We can self-supply," urged Valdés Mesa during discussions about the Rice Program and the recovery of the sugar harvest at the 5 de Septiembre plant in the municipality of Rodas, Cienfuegos.
The Vice President's visit to Pinar del Río in February underscored the urgency of expanding cultivated areas and increasing yields. During his tour of the Los Palacios Agroindustrial Grain Company, he acknowledged that rice is a staple in the Cuban diet, and its high demand is the main incentive for planting.
Impact of Inflation on Rice Prices
In May, rice prices soared to 340 pesos per pound in Havana, highlighting the rampant inflation affecting Cubans. During that month, prices in four provinces—Havana, Guantanamo, Santa Clara, and Holguín—exceeded 300 pesos per pound, while in Ciego de Ávila, Camagüey, and Bayamo, minimum prices dropped below 200 pesos.
Nevertheless, official media acknowledged that in Cienfuegos, rice was sold at 270 pesos per pound (only 10 pesos less than the maximum price recorded by the ONEI in May), accusing private vendors of price speculation.
Rice, an essential food item in the Cuban diet, has become scarce and difficult to obtain on the island. While the government insists that the rationed quota is assured, many families face uncertainty and long waits to receive this basic component of their monthly food basket.
In March, an official from the province of Artemisa urged the population to "trust" the timely distribution of rice for the basic food basket. A month earlier, the Provincial Administration Council of Camagüey's decision to cap the price of rice at 155 Cuban pesos per pound led to the mass closure of market stalls in Hatibonico, as cooperative representatives refused to sell at that rate.
International Partnerships and Future Prospects
Over the past 15 years, Cuba's increasing dependency on rice imports has worsened, compelling the government to rely on donations and allocate hard currency to purchase rice on the international market, where prices have risen significantly. By 2024, rice production in Cuba reached only 30% of the 2018 levels, according to official figures from the newspaper Granma.
An agricultural project led by the Vietnamese company Agri VMA is progressing in Los Palacios, Pinar del Río, aiming to cultivate 1,000 hectares of rice. Similarly, a memorandum signed in August between the Agroforestry Business Group (GEAF) of Artemisa and the Vietnamese company Viet Royal plans to bring 2,000 hectares of idle land in Alquízar, San Antonio de los Baños, and San Cristóbal into production, planting soybeans, green beans, peanuts, taro, potatoes, and cashews, with much of the produce destined for international markets.
Additionally, since 2023, the Cuban government has reportedly offered Russian companies the right to use island land under usufruct agreements for a 30-year period.
Key Questions on Cuba's Rice Production Challenges
Why is Cuba importing such a large amount of rice?
Cuba imports a significant amount of rice due to insufficient local production, which only covers about 11% of the country's consumption needs. The lack of resources and infrastructure issues post-pandemic have exacerbated the reliance on imports.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to enhance rice production?
The government is granting land to financially capable individuals to boost rice production. They are also exploring international partnerships and projects to increase cultivated areas and yields, aiming to reduce dependency on imports.
How have rice prices been affected by inflation in Cuba?
Rice prices have significantly increased due to inflation, with costs reaching as high as 340 pesos per pound in some areas, reflecting the economic struggles faced by many Cubans.