Non-payment for milk to farmers in Cuba: Six months without payment in Manicaragua.

Ailén Carbonell Izquierdo, president of the Domingo Lara Credit and Services Cooperative (CCS) in Manicaragua, reported the prolonged non-payment to farmers for the delivery of milk.

According to a report by journalist Jesús Álvarez López from the official media outlet CMHW, Carbonell has expressed his frustration and concern about the situation faced by his producers since January.

"My farmers have been delivering milk above their plan since January, and this is the date when they still have not been able to collect the surplus payment, meaning six months of non-payment," said Carbonell.

Despite the fact that the Dairy Trade and Industry Company (ECIL) has made the funds available, the bank does not have them available, which has worsened the problem by also adding the non-payment for the milk delivered from June to date.

Ailén Carbonell wonders how farmers can buy what they need if they do not receive their salary in Cuba.

"They are left with the option of selling to the black market, which pays immediately and benefits from the production of the farmers," he said, lamenting that it seemed like no one was concerned about this situation.

"Between theft, sacrifice, unpaid debts, and the lack of motivation from some, we are in a very bad situation," said the president of the CCS.

In addition, he highlighted the importance of joining forces and thinking about the producers who are delivering their products. "We run the risk of losing them. They work because they need their money in their pockets, not in the hands of others," he added.

One of the major challenges mentioned by Carbonell is the lack of adequate banking infrastructure, a situation that affects agricultural and livestock producers across the country.

"My farmers don't even have coverage, not to mention the elderly without mobile phones, and there's a bank 8 kilometers from Guabina. Imagine how many times they would have to go to get their money when we need it so much in the field," he expressed.

"The noose is tightening around us, but we are a bit stubborn and we keep doing. I believe that there is always more that can be done, for a country that gave us everything, and I defend it with claws, but not for those who settle and do not want to see beyond their own noses and their very personal problems," he concluded.

Milk is one of the most expensive products in Cuba. Millions of children and elderly people in the country cannot consume even one glass a day.

The government blames the farmers for not producing enough and claims that they will not import milk because there are no resources in the country.

This case is just one of the thousands of examples that demonstrate the lack of government support to boost productions in Cuba.