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The sugar harvest 2024-2025 in Cuba is experiencing one of its worst crises: of the 14 expected mills for the campaign, only six are operational, resulting in the processing of just 25 percent of the planned cane.
In statements to the official newspaper Granma, Dionis Pérez Pérez, director of Information, Communication, and Analysis at the Azcuba Sugar Group, reported that, although the processes achieve an efficiency of 90%, sugar production stands at only 21%, a figure well below expectations.
This critical situation is attributed to the late start and the non-incorporation of eight plants, which are responsible for 75% of the sector's productive debt.
Despite the challenges, Pérez Pérez emphasized that sugar production has doubled compared to the same period of the previous harvest, achieving this progress with five fewer mills in operation. However, structural and financial difficulties remain a significant barrier.
The readiness of the industries to begin grinding has been severely impacted by the lack of resources. The energy crisis has delayed repairs in power plants, machine shops, and cleaning centers, as well as limiting the production of necessary parts and components for the machinery.
Another key factor has been the fuel shortage, which restricts logistics and limits operations, along with the lack of funding, as only 10% of the necessary economic resources for this harvest have been secured. The crisis has also affected the delivery of oxygen, impacted by breakdowns in the plants and the lack of raw materials, further worsening the situation.
Regarding electricity generation, the sugar mills have produced 19,707 MWh, of which 10,358 MWh have been delivered to the National Electric System, representing 46%.
The bioelectric plant, for its part, has contributed a stable delivery of 25 MWh, saving around 3,300 tons of diesel, providing a small relief amidst a complex situation.
As the harvest progresses, the prospects of meeting the planned goals seem increasingly distant, leaving the sugar sector at a crossroads that demands immediate solutions.
It is worth noting that the 2022-2023 sugar harvest confirmed the regime's prediction, and with its 350,000 tons of sugar, it became the worst harvest since 1898, when, during the War of Independence, the sugar mills of Cuba produced 300,000 tons.
This data confirms the brutal decline of a sector that once positioned the island among the world's top sugar exporters.
In December, the government acknowledged that it is "shameful" for the country, traditionally one of the leading sugar producers in Latin America, to be forced to import this product.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Sugar Crisis in Cuba
How many sugar mills are operational in the 2024-2025 harvest season in Cuba?
Only six sugar mills are operational in the 2024-2025 sugar harvest in Cuba, out of a total of 14 that had been planned.
What are the main causes of the sugar crisis in Cuba?
The sugar crisis in Cuba is due to several factors, including the lack of resources for repairs and maintenance of the mills, fuel shortages, and insufficient funding, which only covers 10% of the necessary resources. Additionally, the energy crisis has complicated the repair of machinery and logistics for the harvest.
What impact has the sugar crisis had on sugar production in Cuba?
The sugar production for the 2024-2025 harvest has been only 21% of what was planned, far below expectations. This reflects a serious setback in a sector that has historically been vital to the Cuban economy.
How does the sugar crisis affect the Cuban economy as a whole?
The sugar crisis significantly affects the Cuban economy, as sugar has been one of the main sources of export and a vital sector for the country's economy. The need to import sugar in a country that was once one of the leading producers highlights the seriousness of the issue.
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