The 2024-2025 sugar harvest in Cuba is experiencing one of its most severe crises yet. Out of the 14 sugar mills expected to participate in this season, only six are operational, resulting in the processing of just 25% of the planned sugarcane. Dionis Pérez Pérez, Director of Informatics, Communication, and Analysis at the Azcuba Sugar Group, disclosed to the state-run newspaper Granma that, despite achieving 90% efficiency in processes, sugar production is languishing at a mere 21%, significantly below expectations.
This dire situation is largely due to a delayed start and the absence of eight mills, which account for 75% of the sector's production shortfall. Despite these challenges, Pérez Pérez noted that sugar production has doubled compared to the same period in the previous harvest, managing this improvement with five fewer mills in operation. Nevertheless, structural and financial difficulties remain significant obstacles.
The preparation for milling has been severely impacted by resource shortages. The energy crisis has delayed repairs in the mills, mechanization workshops, and cleaning centers, while also limiting the manufacturing of essential machinery parts. A crucial factor has been the fuel shortage, which hampers logistics and limits operations. Compounding these issues is the lack of funding, with only 10% of the necessary financial resources secured for this harvest. The crisis has also disrupted oxygen supply, exacerbated by plant breakdowns and raw material shortages, further worsening the situation.
Regarding electricity generation, the sugar mills have produced 19,707 MWh, with 10,358 MWh supplied to the National Electric System, representing 46%. Meanwhile, bioelectric facilities have provided a steady output of 25 MWh, saving approximately 3,300 tons of diesel—offering a small respite amid a challenging scenario.
As the harvest progresses, the chances of meeting planned targets seem increasingly remote, leaving the sugar sector at a crossroads that demands urgent solutions. It is worth noting that the 2022-2023 harvest confirmed the regime's grim forecast, with its 350,000 tons of sugar marking the worst yield since 1898, during Cuba's War of Independence when mills produced 300,000 tons.
This statistic underscores the dramatic decline of an industry that once positioned the island among the world's leading sugar exporters. Last December, the government admitted it is "embarrassing" that the country, once a top sugar producer in Latin America, is now forced to import this commodity.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's Sugar Industry Crisis
What is the current state of Cuba's sugar industry?
Cuba's sugar industry is facing a severe crisis, with only six out of 14 planned mills operational, processing just 25% of the intended sugarcane.
Why is sugar production so low in Cuba?
The low sugar production is attributed to a late start of the season, non-operational mills, structural and financial challenges, and a shortage of resources.
How is the energy crisis affecting the sugar industry in Cuba?
The energy crisis has delayed essential repairs and limited the production of necessary machinery parts, impacting overall operations in the sugar industry.