A vessel loaded with 4,000 tons of rice is currently being unloaded at the Guillermón Moncada multipurpose terminal in Santiago de Cuba, starting from Tuesday night. This shipment is intended to fulfill the December allotment of the Regulated Family Basket, ensuring each consumer receives two pounds of rice.
Beatriz Johnson Urrutia, the first secretary of the Communist Party in Santiago de Cuba, announced on Facebook that this rice distribution will extend beyond the province she oversees to other eastern regions. She emphasized that teams are working vigorously to expedite the unloading of this crucial food item, which is often sold at exorbitant prices in informal markets.
The state-run CMKC Radio Revolución also shared this information on social media, highlighting the "efforts" made to ensure the rice reaches the population promptly. However, this delay in distribution from the previous month illustrates the ongoing challenges Cubans face in obtaining basic necessities amid a prolonged economic crisis.
By the end of December, the rationed food supplies finally reached Santiago de Cuba's stores, revealing the inadequacy and the government's failure to deliver on time. The Ministry of Domestic Trade (MINCIN) released a list of products that consistently arrive late at local stores.
According to the information circulated on Facebook, each consumer received two pounds of rice, two pounds of sugar, 10 ounces of peas, a 115-gram package of coffee, oil, salt (amount determined by family size), and powdered milk for children from birth to two years old. To make matters worse, consumers complained online that the rice was not only delayed but also contaminated with dirt and weevils.
Recently, the Cuban regime announced an unprecedented agreement to allocate agricultural land to a Vietnamese company for rice cultivation. As reported by Granma on Wednesday, the initiative covers 308 hectares in Los Palacios, Pinar del Río, with plans to expand up to 5,000 hectares in the future.
Details on Cuba's Rice Distribution and Economic Challenges
What is the Regulated Family Basket in Cuba?
The Regulated Family Basket is a monthly distribution of essential food items provided by the Cuban government to its citizens at subsidized prices, intended to meet basic nutritional needs.
How does the Cuban government manage rice distribution?
Rice distribution in Cuba is part of the Regulated Family Basket, where each consumer is allocated a specific amount monthly. However, delays and quality issues have been prevalent due to economic and logistical challenges.
What recent developments have occurred in Cuban agriculture?
Recently, the Cuban government has initiated an agreement with a Vietnamese company to cultivate rice on 308 hectares in Pinar del Río, aiming to expand this project to 5,000 hectares in the future.