Cuba : Granma’s sugar harvest in crisis: only 26% of the plan completed and million-dollar losses
Granma province has produced only 26% of its planned sugar output, facing one of its worst campaigns due to fuel shortages, equipment failures, and poor land preparation. With over 26,000 hectares idle and significant financial losses, the sugar sector is nearing collapse. Officials admit to widespread organizational failures amid warnings of falling below historic national production levels.
This was acknowledged by the Council of Government in a recent session, where they described “the alarming situation of the sugar sector” in the territory, reported the official newspaper La Demajagua.
The low figures are compounded by million-dollar losses, such as the 149.3 million pesos lost in fires on uncultivated fields, land overrun by woody plants, and delays in payments to workers of cooperatives and companies in the sector.
Granma also carries the burden of 26,000 idle hectares, placing it 12th nationally in terms of efficiency in so-called various crops, the source elaborated.
During the session, the direct impact of this debacle on the economy and the daily lives of the population was acknowledged. Governor Yanetsy Terry Gutiérrez claimed that it is “a sector deeply affected by material restrictions and by the effects of the American blockade.”
He said that “although we have almost exhausted the harvest period, the country’s decision from the highest levels and from ourselves is to not stop and continue grinding until it is no longer possible.” However, the speech does not disguise the reality: the sector is on the brink of collapse.
With hurricane season just around the corner (from June 1 to November 30), authorities have also ordered an increase in vigilance and the restructuring of the Temporary Group in preparation for possible contingencies.
A recent report from the Reuters agency indicated that for the first time since the 19th century, the annual sugar production in Cuba will fall below 200,000 metric tons, according to recent estimates based on official reports and sources from the sector.
In recent weeks, several official media outlets have briefly reported alarming statistics regarding political authorities’ visits to sugar mills: several key mills have produced less than 15% of their plan, while others are barely surviving amid blackouts, outdated machinery, and scarce sugarcane.
In December 2023, the government acknowledged that it is “shameful” for the country, traditionally one of the leading sugar producers in Latin America, to have been forced to import this product.
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Source : Ciber Cuba
