The Cuban regime announced this Tuesday that producers in Artemisa have exceeded their milk and beef delivery targets over the last three months, attributing the success to enhanced livestock control measures. According to an official report by Granma, an investigation by the Ministry of Agriculture revealed 42,783 violations related to livestock management, with 4,443 considered significant.
Alcides López Labrada, the regional agriculture delegate, stated that over 5,000 measures were taken against violators, achieving a 62% effectiveness rate. These actions included 915 fines totaling seven million pesos. As a result, the region's dairy farmers delivered 799,800 liters of milk to the industry from March 1 to May 10, surpassing the target of 767,600 liters by 4.19%.
Additionally, beef deliveries increased to 322,000 tons, exceeding the expected 295,000 tons. López Labrada mentioned that investigations are ongoing to determine why 674 cattle owners, or 9.53%, divert milk to non-prioritized destinations. He also noted that some municipalities, including Alquízar, Guanajay, Artemisa, and Mariel, have not increased their milk deliveries. Similarly, Alquízar, Artemisa, and Güira de Melena have failed to meet their beef delivery quotas.
For years, the Cuban regime has struggled to ensure a steady milk supply for children and other prioritized sectors. In February, the government sought assistance from the World Food Program (WFP) to address the challenges of distributing milk to children under seven years old. Meanwhile, beef has become a luxury for many families. Two weeks ago, activist Aníbal Ferrand surveyed the streets of Baracoa, asking residents when they last ate beef, highlighting the severe impact of the economic crisis on food availability in the city.
Ferrand, who frequently documents daily life in the eastern city on his social media, found that many people barely remember what beef tastes like.
Milk and Beef Supply Challenges in Cuba
The following questions and answers aim to shed light on the milk and beef supply challenges in Cuba, particularly in Artemisa.
What measures were taken against livestock management violations in Artemisa?
Over 5,000 actions were implemented, including 915 fines totaling seven million pesos, achieving a 62% effectiveness rate.
How much milk did Artemisa producers deliver above their target?
Producers delivered 799,800 liters of milk, surpassing the target of 767,600 liters by 4.19% from March 1 to May 10.
What are the ongoing problems with milk supply in Cuba?
The Cuban regime has long faced difficulties ensuring a consistent milk supply for children and prioritized sectors, even seeking assistance from the World Food Program in February.