During a visit to the CPA Amistad Cuba-Cambodia in Jaruco, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel openly criticized the nation’s agricultural producers. While he praised the cooperative’s achievements under challenging conditions, he did not hold back in his critique of the country’s broader agricultural sector.
“Even in the toughest years, with limited fuel and resources, you have achieved good results and increased yields. Now, with the application of science and innovation, why haven’t other Cuban producers followed suit? What is missing to achieve similar outcomes?” Díaz-Canel questioned, directing his comments to the cooperative’s members.
Rather than leaving it at a rhetorical question, Díaz-Canel heightened his critique, stating, “Good outcomes are based on willpower, not resources. It’s about understanding our current situation, because hard times lead to solutions. This is something Fidel Castro taught us,” he emphasized.
His statement, instead of highlighting the “successful” experience of this sugarcane cooperative, revealed a deeper critique of the widespread inefficiency plaguing the rest of Cuba’s agricultural production apparatus, which continues to struggle with low yields, shortages, and a dwindling workforce.
The Success Story of CPA Amistad Cuba-Cambodia
The CPA Amistad Cuba-Cambodia has specialized in sugarcane cultivation. Díaz-Canel noted that “these are the examples that keep us from giving up,” after learning about the cooperative’s consistently increasing yields.
Luis Pérez Gil, the CPA’s president, reported that during the 2023/2024 campaign, they achieved 22.44 tons per hectare, with expectations to reach 44 tons per hectare by the 2025/2026 harvest. This success is attributed to the use of agroecological techniques and the Cuban bio-stimulant Lebame, made with effective microorganisms.
Initially, there was resistance to using the product, but its success has led to widespread adoption. “Seeing the results we’re getting, now everyone wants it,” Pérez Gil said.
Comprehensive Agricultural Practices and Economic Stability
The cooperative manages 2,437 hectares, with over 850 dedicated to sugarcane, although only 52% of that land is currently planted. They allocate more than 700 hectares to livestock, including cattle, sheep, goats, and soon, buffaloes. Additionally, 314 hectares are used for forest plantations, and over 40 hectares for fruit and various other crops.
This diversification allows the cooperative to self-supply its dining facilities and sell some goods to the community and priority centers. They also market charcoal, roundwood, milk, and meat from various species. They provide technical and transportation services to other production units, including sugarcane cutting and hauling during the harvest season.
The revenue generated enables an average monthly advance of 12,200 pesos (equivalent to 30 USD at the current informal market rate) for cooperative members, 10,350 pesos (25 USD) for hired workers, and up to 45,000 pesos (111 USD) for the sugarcane brigade. According to the CPA president, these figures ensure labor stability.
Understanding Cuba’s Agricultural Challenges
What was Díaz-Canel’s main criticism of Cuban agricultural producers?
Díaz-Canel criticized Cuban agricultural producers for lacking the will to achieve better results, despite the availability of resources, and emphasized the need for innovation and determination.
How has CPA Amistad Cuba-Cambodia managed to increase its sugarcane yields?
The cooperative increased its yields by using agroecological techniques and the Cuban bio-stimulant Lebame, leading to a projected increase in tons per hectare.