Cuba's leader, Miguel Díaz-Canel, recently attributed the nation's low production levels and the stalling of its progress to a pervasive "import dependency" mindset among some state enterprise leaders. During a governmental oversight visit to Ciego de Ávila, he pointed to the "La Cuba" Cultivated Crops Enterprise as a prime example. Once a hallmark of the country's agricultural success, this enterprise ceased significant banana production because importing became more economical.
"They got complacent. With foreign currency liquidity, they became used to importing. They stopped producing and neglected their plantations. Isn't that what happened?" questioned Díaz-Canel, emphasizing that this import-focused mindset has obscured the nation's potential.
He stated that when Ciego de Ávila's production enterprises manage to stabilize their economies, they should prioritize importing essential supplies. Despite the country's severe food shortage, he expressed confidence that this region could achieve food sovereignty. "It has productive culture, fertile soils, and water resources. The contribution of the communist party members is crucial in this mission," he remarked.
Struggles in Cuban Agriculture
This past Thursday, Agriculture Minister Ydael Pérez Brito acknowledged the dire state of Cuba's agricultural sector. He highlighted a significant decline in food production, including protein sources, which he attributed to shortages of supplies, fuel, and adverse weather conditions.
The minister noted that Cuban agriculture has been unable to produce more than 200,000 tons of food, dealing a severe blow to both poultry and pork industries. The challenges also extend to egg and rice production, exacerbating the nation's food crisis.