Salvador Valdés Mesa, the Cuban Vice President, has emphasized the presence of significant untapped wealth within Cuba's agriculture sector. This potential stems from infrastructure developed during the Revolution. However, Valdés Mesa insists that the U.S. embargo remains the primary barrier to attracting investment and technology, notably avoiding discussion on internal economic restrictions.
During a recent work visit to the province of Sancti Spíritus, the Vice President assessed local economic initiatives. There, he reiterated the importance of restoring infrastructure originally created “under the leadership of historical figure Fidel Castro,” according to the state-run Canal Caribe. “It's our turn to exploit it now... there are many millions buried there from the country’s sugar production, and we need to capitalize on that,” Valdés Mesa remarked, referring to the resources accumulated through agricultural activities.
Instead of advocating for self-critique or a significant overhaul of the economic model, the Vice President adhered to the usual narrative, blaming the embargo for deterring investors. “The issue here is the blockade... people are hesitant to invest in Cuba because they are persecuted and can't enter the United States,” reiterated Valdés Mesa, sidestepping any mention of the lack of legal guarantees, transparency, or economic freedom within the country.
Valdés Mesa pointed out that the Revolution has left a legacy of infrastructure, including dams, canals, roads, and power networks. Yet, he admitted that Cuba currently lacks the necessary technology to reactivate this productive potential, failing to explain why, after over six decades of absolute state control, this modernization has not been achieved.
The call to “restore Fidel’s legacy” underscores a rhetorical dependence on the past as an ideological lifeline for a stagnant present. Despite acknowledging the material conditions needed to boost the agricultural sector, the government has yet to present a realistic, transparent, or sustainable plan that goes beyond using the blockade as a perpetual scapegoat.
The statements highlight an underlying contradiction in the official Cuban narrative: recognizing the objective conditions for development while continuously externalizing blame and ignoring internal inefficiencies. Although there is talk of “buried millions,” no concrete plans or clear strategies have been announced to leverage this wealth or modernize Cuba's agricultural sector.
In December 2024, Valdés Mesa acknowledged the declining living conditions in rural Cuba. However, beyond identifying the problem, no tangible solutions were offered to address this issue, highlighting a lack of effective planning to tackle the structural deficiencies within the agricultural sector.
Criticism of the government’s agricultural policies has even surfaced within Fidel Castro’s own family. In October 2023, Alexis Castro Soto del Valle, son of the former dictator, criticized the Ministry of Agriculture for the country's food shortages, noting that after more than 60 years, basic principles of global economics have yet to be adapted to Cuba’s reality.
Understanding Cuba's Agricultural Challenges
What are the main obstacles to Cuba's agricultural development?
The primary obstacles include the U.S. embargo, lack of modern technology, internal economic restrictions, and insufficient legal guarantees for investors.
Has there been any plan proposed to modernize Cuba's agricultural sector?
No concrete plans or strategies have been announced to modernize the agricultural sector, despite acknowledging the potential resources and infrastructure.
What role does historical infrastructure play in Cuba's current agricultural potential?
Historical infrastructure, such as dams, canals, and roads, is seen as a foundation for potential agricultural development, but requires modernization to be fully utilized.