Report on Agricultural Challenges and Food Security in Pinar del Río, Cuba

Overview of Idle Land and Agricultural Production

The Plenary of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) Committee in Pinar del Río has confirmed that the province possesses more than 19,000 hectares of idle land. This situation exists alongside empty markets and a population suffering from chronic food shortages, highlighting a critical issue in local food security and sustainable development.

Despite the allocation of over 50,000 hectares in the past two years, agricultural production has not significantly increased. This stagnation is attributed to bureaucratic delays and insufficient incentives for farmers, as acknowledged by Yoel Hernández, the delegate of Agriculture in the territory.

Structural and Organizational Deficiencies

• Serious deficiencies persist in the functioning of grassroots Party organizations within the agricultural sector.
• Political assurances have not translated into improved food availability at sales points.
• Untapped reserves exist in several municipalities, and aquaculture remains underdeveloped, limiting protein sources in the local diet.

Local Initiatives and Challenges

In the municipality of Guane, there has been an increase in per capita food availability due to a greater presence of food in markets. However, disciplinary measures related to milk, meat, and bean production, as well as land and livestock oversight, have been implemented as isolated actions rather than comprehensive solutions.

The provincial governor highlighted progress in hiring, yet noted that employment growth is not proportional to sales volume. Additional challenges include poor relationships with producers, lack of technical and scientific support, delayed payments, supply shortages, and the imposition of a mandatory banking system, which has been met with resistance from farmers.

Joint Agricultural Projects and Food Production Efforts

A joint agricultural project between Cuba and Vietnam is underway in Los Palacios, Pinar del Río, aiming to cultivate 1,000 hectares of rice using high-tech methods. This initiative, led by the Vietnamese company Agri VMA, seeks to enhance food production capabilities in the region.

Food Crisis Context and Contributing Factors

1. Chronic shortages: Basic products such as rice, milk, flour, and oil are scarce, severely impacting daily nutrition for millions.
2. Decline in national agricultural production: Inefficiencies in the state agricultural system and lack of supplies and fuel have contributed to reduced output.
3. Dependence on imports: Cuba faces nearly total reliance on food imports, which is financially unsustainable.
4. Economic and policy challenges: Dollarization of essential products, U.S. embargo sanctions, and absence of comprehensive reforms exacerbate the crisis.
5. Energy crisis impact: Power shortages have damaged tobacco-producing areas, resulting in significant crop losses and decreased production.

Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 2 – Zero Hunger: The idle land and low agricultural productivity directly hinder efforts to end hunger and achieve food security in Pinar del Río.
• SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth: Employment growth not aligned with production and sales highlights challenges in promoting sustained economic growth and productive employment.
• SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production: Inefficient land use and lack of incentives for producers undermine sustainable agricultural practices.
• SDG 13 – Climate Action: The impact of natural disasters and energy shortages on agriculture underscores the need for climate resilience strategies.
• SDG 15 – Life on Land: Proper management and utilization of land resources are essential to restore agricultural productivity and biodiversity.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Food and Agricultural Crisis in Pinar del Río

Why are there so many acres of idle land in Pinar del Río?

More than 19,000 hectares of land remain idle due to bureaucratic obstacles, lack of incentives for farmers, and structural inefficiencies in land management by the Cuban government. Despite land distribution efforts, production has not increased significantly, reflecting systemic challenges.

How does the crisis of idle land affect food scarcity in Pinar del Río?

Unused lands contribute to chronic food shortages by limiting local agricultural output. This situation forces reliance on expensive imports and informal markets, where food prices are often unaffordable, perpetuating food insecurity.

What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the agricultural crisis in Pinar del Río?

The government has initiated projects such as the joint rice cultivation venture with Vietnam. However, concrete measures to activate idle lands and ensure fair pricing for farmers remain limited. Challenges such as forced banking policies and the energy crisis further complicate efforts.

What role do deficiencies in the Cuban agricultural system play in the food crisis?

Structural deficiencies, including lack of supplies, inefficient land management, excessive state control, and inadequate incentives for producers, are central to the agricultural collapse. These internal issues, compounded by external factors like natural disasters and embargoes, have led to persistent shortages.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • The article highlights chronic food shortages, idle agricultural land, and insufficient food production, directly relating to the goal of ending hunger and achieving food security.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Issues such as hiring without proportional productivity, lack of incentives, and bureaucratic hurdles affect economic growth and decent employment in agriculture.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The inefficient use of land and resources, as well as the lack of sustainable agricultural practices, relate to this goal.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Management of land resources, idle hectares, and agricultural productivity connect to sustainable land use and ecosystem management.
5. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The joint agricultural project with Vietnam to implement high-tech rice cultivation addresses innovation in agriculture.
6. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The energy crisis affecting irrigation and production links to the need for reliable and sustainable energy.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, including through secure and equal access to land.
   • Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, and entrepreneurship.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.3: Combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil, including land affected by drought and floods, and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world.
5. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade technological capabilities of industrial sectors, including agriculture.
6. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Target 7.1: Ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 2 Indicators
   • Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture (implied by the discussion on idle land and agricultural production).
   • Prevalence of undernourishment or food insecurity (implied by chronic shortages and reliance on imports).
   • Yield per hectare for key crops such as rice and tobacco (implied by production statistics and joint projects).
2. SDG 8 Indicators
   • Employment rate in agriculture versus productivity (implied by hiring increases not matching sales).
   • Number of disciplinary measures or incentives affecting labor productivity (implied by disciplinary actions).
3. SDG 12 Indicators
   • Efficiency in land use and reduction of idle land hectares (explicitly mentioned).
4. SDG 15 Indicators
   • Area of degraded or unused agricultural land (explicitly mentioned: 19,000+ idle hectares).
   • Changes in land productivity and restoration efforts (implied by efforts to activate idle land).
5. SDG 9 Indicators
   • Implementation of high-tech agricultural projects (e.g., rice cultivation with Vietnamese specialists).
6. SDG 7 Indicators
   • Availability and reliability of energy supply for agriculture (implied by irrigation failures and energy crisis).

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: en.cibercuba.com