As millions of Cubans struggle with food scarcity, Miguel Díaz-Canel expressed enthusiasm for a precision agriculture initiative utilizing drones and robotic platforms at the Institute of Cybernetics, Mathematics, and Physics (ICIMAF) in Havana. This was part of his routine visits to scientific centers nationwide.
The official presidential website and Canal Caribe hailed the visit as a breakthrough, highlighting the work of a young engineering graduate from CUJAE on the "agriculture 4.0" project that employs drones for crop monitoring and management.
Social media reactions were predictably critical. One user encapsulated the general sentiment: "When will there be production of beans, tubers, vegetables, and fruits? Currently, millions of humble Cubans are slowly starving."
Cuba imports approximately 70% of its food, with some assessments suggesting even greater dependency. The World Food Program estimates this costs over $2 billion annually. A Food Monitor Program survey conducted in May 2025 revealed that over 90% of respondents had faced reduced food availability, and 33.9% reported that someone in their household had gone to bed hungry in the past month.
Reality Vs. Rhetoric in Cuban Agriculture
In stark contrast to the high-tech aspirations of "agriculture 4.0," Cuban agriculture often relies on oxen and windmills due to an energy crisis crippling farm machinery. These modern projects primarily exist as pilot programs and political propaganda.
During his ICIMAF visit, Díaz-Canel acknowledged the institution's significant talent and criticized the underutilization of its scientific developments across various economic sectors. Yet, it is the government under his leadership that has long failed to support and reward scientific talent adequately.
The Government's Call to Action—and Inaction
Díaz-Canel's visit to ICIMAF is part of a recognizable pattern. On August 21, he toured the CDZ Cubanacán in Playa, advocating for the transformation of every available plot into gardens. Similarly, in July, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz implored Arroyo Naranjo to plant crops, emphasizing the critical nature of food. Despite these tours and speeches, no tangible increase in food production has materialized.
The irony peaks with the recent incident in Guantánamo, where tons of mangos rotted because the state-run Acopio system lacked the fuel and transportation to collect the harvest.
The regime need not rely on drones to identify its failings. In June, the Minister of Food Industry, Alberto López Díaz, confessed that the rationed food basket had not included oil, chicken, or yogurt all year. The question posed by the concerned netizen remains unanswered: when will the beans arrive?
Understanding Cuba's Food Crisis
What is the "agriculture 4.0" initiative in Cuba?
The "agriculture 4.0" initiative in Cuba involves using advanced technology like drones and robotic platforms for precision agriculture. It aims to modernize farming practices, though it currently exists largely as a pilot project and propaganda tool.
How much of its food does Cuba import?
Cuba imports about 70% of its food, with some estimates indicating a higher dependency. This heavy reliance on imports comes at a significant financial cost, exceeding $2 billion annually according to the World Food Program.
What are the main challenges facing Cuban agriculture?
Cuban agriculture is hindered by an energy crisis that limits machinery use, forcing a return to traditional methods like using oxen. Additionally, the lack of support for scientific and technological advancements further exacerbates production issues.