The Ministry of Food Industry (MINAL) proposed as a line of work “to grow in the production of nutritious foods” during the analysis of the Government Program to correct distortions and revitalize the economy, an idea that the institution presented as a “concrete” way to contribute to economic revitalization and recover production “for the benefit of the people.”
The proposal was presented at a MINAL management meeting with the argument that if the business system can produce and market more, it would lead to increased sales and revenue, “greater supply” and better “stabilization” of prices.
The MINAL provides nine products to the regulated family basket, but the agency fails to meet its production targets due to a shortage of national and imported raw materials.
As part of the "reserves" to mitigate the situation, aquaculture and the existence of "more than 100,000 hectares in reservoirs" associated with "hydraulic willingness" are mentioned, indicating that these reservoirs—besides being used for consumption and irrigation—could also serve for fish production.
The MINAL report adds that non-state economic actors could import raw materials for the national industry, thereby achieving products at a "lower cost" and for "mutual benefit," although it acknowledges that there are still "constraints in the linkages."
These obstacles are often attributed to "subjective elements" that depend on business owners and would require "an urgent change" and "improvement" of the business management system.
It is also stated that "the best examples" have been seen in activities conducted in industries and factories.
The executives describe attracting foreign investment and the partial dollarization of the economy as "opportunities," with the aim —as stated— of providing guarantees to investors that they will recover their capital within the expected timelines in their feasibility studies.
It is also proposed as an option to "not dismiss" access to existing internal income in foreign currency within the national economy, with explicit mention of the year 2026.
The analyzed government program at MINAL also emphasizes the importance of quality management systems and mentions issues related to "consumption rates," "quality issues," "crime," and "poor quality" of productions.
The food crisis in Cuba
In June 2025, authorities in Ciego de Ávila announced progress in the so-called "food sovereignty"; however, the population reported that the tables remained empty, casting doubt on the effectiveness of state programs aimed at ensuring supply.
Weeks later, Villa Clara announced the resumption of the daily sale of regulated bread, but the measure was accompanied by technical limitations and quality issues, reflecting the ongoing setbacks of the distribution system.
In early August, an investigation revealed that a Cuban couple needed more than 40,000 pesos per month just to feed themselves, a figure that highlights the disconnection between income and the real costs of life on the island.
Soon after, it was reported that in Matanzas, due to the lack of flour, the population received cookies at 850 pesos as a substitute for the basic basket bread, an alternative that generated discontent and questions about the priorities of the food system.
In November, the Ministry of Education (MINED) launched a campaign on proper nutrition in schools, while numerous children continued to attend classes without breakfast, in a context where family shortages prevent meeting even minimal nutritional conditions.
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