Ciego de Ávila, a province chosen as the host of the upcoming communist festivities for July 26, has announced new actions aimed at achieving the much-declared "food sovereignty," in a speech that strongly contrasts with the everyday reality of thousands of families who continue to face chronic shortages of food.
According to the official site Granma, among the official priorities are the increase of agricultural production, stricter control of cultivated areas, and the improvement of contracting and commercialization processes, all with the supposed goal of ensuring that agricultural products reach “the best destination: the people.”
However, the context does not support it: persistent deficits in fuel, fertilizers, machinery, and seeds remain some of the major obstacles preventing the achievement of concrete results beyond the triumphalist reports.
What has been announced?
The government speech highlights initiatives such as:
The recovery of the agricultural company La Cuba has reintegrated over 700 workers and achieved a production exceeding 2,000 tons of food.
The activation of around twenty greenhouses and idle lands.
The strengthening of Urban and Suburban Agriculture, with support for organopónicos and intensive gardens.
The consolidation of the Agroindustrial Bolivia Company aims to plant over 5,000 tons of rice this year, in an effort to ensure the basic food supply of this staple at the municipal level.
A program for oilseed plants is also mentioned, involving the planting of 1,700 hectares to contribute to the production of edible oils.
The rhetoric in front of the empty plate
Even though the numbers and projections sound promising, public perception does not reflect this. The reality for the average resident of Avila is still characterized by long lines, unreachable prices, empty markets, and increasingly limited diets. The use of the term “food sovereignty” in official reports contrasts sharply with a table that, for many, is either empty or poorly served.
The State insists on the "strengthening of municipalities" as a means to decentralize production and improve local supply, but the history of unfulfilled plans, bureaucracy, and inefficiency raises doubts about the true viability of these initiatives.
A model that doesn't change
As new company names and production goals are announced, the centralized and politicized model of Cuban agriculture continues to maintain its essential pillars unchanged. State ownership, the lack of real incentives for producers, and excessive controls remain bottlenecks that limit any sustainable progress.
Food “sovereignty” is not achieved through slogans or public events. It is built upon the real autonomy of the producer, efficient management, and respect for the citizen as a consumer and an actor in the productive system. Until that happens, the rhetoric will continue to grow, but the plate on the table will keep diminishing.
Communist Party acknowledges failure in food production in Cuba
In December 2024, the Communist Party of Cuba , highlighting the flaws of the socialist model amidst structural issues and a lack of economic incentives.
Despite decades of centralized agricultural strategies and laws such as the Food Sovereignty and Food and Nutritional Security (SAN), productivity deficiencies persist and families continue to face hunger.
Agricultural production on the island experienced a concerning decline in 2023 compared to the previous year, according to newly released data in the Statistical Yearbook, confirming the growing food security crisis the country is facing.
Official indicators show significant declines in the production of essential foods such as pork, rice, root vegetables, eggs, cow's milk, beans, and vegetables, as reported by economist Pedro Monreal.
According to official statistics, pork production, one of the most important sources of protein in the Cuban diet, saw a decline of 93.2% in 2023 compared to 2022, reflecting the collapse of the pig farming sector in the country.
This decline is attributed to the lack of supplies, the deterioration of the state production system, and the difficulties in accessing balanced feed for livestock.
The rice sector, another pillar of the diet on the island, experienced a reduction of 59.1%, while the production of root vegetables and eggs decreased by 44% and 43%, respectively.
In the case of cow's milk, a contraction of 37.6% was recorded, which negatively impacts the availability of dairy products, essential for children's nutrition and the nourishment of the most vulnerable population.
In analyzing this data, Monreal expressed that this situation confirms a "major crisis" of food security in Cuba. In that regard, he noted that the data for 2024 has not yet been published, but preliminary reports indicate an even further worsening of the situation, which creates uncertainty about the future of food on the island.
Frequently asked questions about the food crisis in Ciego de Ávila and "food sovereignty"
What does the announcement of "food sovereignty" in Ciego de Ávila mean?
The Cuban government has announced measures to achieve "food sovereignty" in Ciego de Ávila, which include increasing agricultural production and controlling arable land. However, the reality remains the shortage of food and the inefficacy of the centralized agricultural model, raising doubts about the viability of these initiatives.
Why is there talk of food scarcity in Ciego de Ávila?
Despite official announcements, the population of Ciego de Ávila faces a chronic food shortage due to structural issues such as the lack of supplies, machinery, and an inefficient agricultural model. These deficiencies have led to widespread shortages, affecting the diet of thousands of families in the region.
What challenges does agricultural production face in Cuba?
Agricultural production in Cuba is hindered by deficiencies in fuel, fertilizers, machinery, and seeds, along with a centralized model that does not provide real incentives for producers. These issues have led to significant declines in the production of essential food items.
What is the current situation of the ration book in Ciego de Ávila?
The ration book in Ciego de Ávila is in crisis, with an increasingly limited distribution of basic products such as meat, rice, and milk. Only certain population groups, such as children under six years old, have access to specific foods, which has forced many to turn to the informal market.
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