The official triumphalism has once again highlighted its disconnect from the Cuban reality. During a visit to Laos, Miguel Díaz-Canel expressed gratitude to the Lao government on Sunday for what he termed an "extraordinary contribution to rice production in Cuba using Lao seeds." His message, shared on his account on X (formerly Twitter), sparked outrage both on and off the island, starkly contrasting with the dire situation faced by millions of Cuban families who, in recent months, have received only one pound of rice per person through the rationing system.
Díaz-Canel's statement comes amid a backdrop of agricultural collapse: by 2025, the national harvest will barely cover 20% of domestic demand, equating to around 100,000 tons, against a need exceeding 600,000. In the 1980s, Cuba harvested over 400,000 tons annually, but the lack of resources such as inputs, fuel, certified seeds, irrigation systems, and agricultural machinery has driven productivity to historically low levels, with yields as low as 1.5 to 2 tons per hectare, compared to countries like Vietnam that reach six tons.
Daily Struggles of Cubans
The disconnection becomes even more pronounced when considering the day-to-day life of Cubans. In provinces such as Santiago de Cuba, residents have been surviving on a mere pound of rice per month, while in Villa Clara, delayed distributions of two pounds were given "free" as compensation for shortages. In Holguín, April and May's quotas were not distributed until August, and in Havana, rice meant for December was handed out at the end of February. Meanwhile, the black market, an inevitable escape valve, sees prices soar to as much as 300 pesos per pound, unaffordable for most state workers.
A Broader Food Crisis
The rice crisis cannot be viewed in isolation from the overall food situation. According to a study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in 2023, more than 4.2 million Cubans—37.8% of the population—were suffering from food insecurity. The average caloric gap in the country was 225 calories per capita per day, far below the recommended threshold of 2,100 kilocalories. The collapse in domestic grain production, especially rice and corn, has forced increased reliance on imports to cover a shortfall of 41,000 metric tons in 2023.
The USDA report detailed a 58% drop in rice production between 2016 and 2023, decreasing from 335,000 to 140,000 metric tons annually. This decline is starkly visible on family tables: while government propaganda celebrates the unloading of ships and thanks to friendly nations, millions of Cuban households struggle to meet daily nutritional needs. Hunger hits the most vulnerable groups hardest, including children, the elderly, and those living in extreme poverty.
Propaganda vs. Reality
Official propaganda often hails the arrival of rice-laden ships as grand victories. Embarrassingly often, state media boast about the unloading of vessels in Santiago, Havana, and Holguín, accompanied by messages of the "heroic effort" of dockworkers and leaders. However, behind each ship lie chronic delays, unpaid debts to international suppliers, and an inability to maintain stable domestic production. Even state-controlled media admitted in September 2024 that the rationed quotas included neither coffee nor oil, and rice arrived sporadically despite official announcements.
Imports and donations add to this picture: Vietnam sent 10,000 tons of rice as humanitarian aid this year, China donated 408 tons in 2024, and Colombia announced the sale of over 1,000 tons in July. While these shipments are crucial for immediate relief, they are minuscule compared to the needs of a population exceeding 11 million people.
The inevitable question arises: how can Díaz-Canel speak of an "extraordinary contribution to rice production" when the figures show a production collapse, a ration book overwhelmed by delays, and near-total dependency on foreign imports? The gap between the regime's triumphalist narrative and the reality of empty stores has never been more glaring.
Rather than building trust, messages like Díaz-Canel's in Laos highlight a sustained propaganda practice: dressing up the crisis with international gratitude while the population continues to receive minimal and insecure rations. Each delayed pound of rice is a reminder of the structural inefficiency of a model incapable of ensuring the most basic need: daily sustenance. And each tweet from the "continuity" leadership touting "extraordinary contributions" reinforces the perception of a leadership disconnected from the real lives of Cubans.
Understanding Cuba's Rice Production Challenges
Why is Cuba's rice production so low?
Cuba's rice production is hindered by a lack of essential resources such as inputs, fuel, certified seeds, irrigation systems, and agricultural machinery, resulting in historically low productivity levels.
How does the rice crisis affect Cuban families?
The rice crisis significantly impacts Cuban families, as many receive only minimal rations through the rationing system, forcing them to rely on expensive black market options that are unaffordable for most state workers.
What role do imports play in Cuba's rice supply?
Imports are crucial for Cuba's rice supply, as domestic production falls short of meeting demand. International aid and purchases help alleviate immediate shortages but are insufficient to meet the needs of the entire population.