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A Cuban farmer has publicly denounced the harsh conditions faced by agricultural producers on the island, particularly the lack of real rights over the livestock they raise and the penalties they receive even when they are victims of crimes.
In a testimony shared on social media, the farmer explained that, under the current state system, animals do not fully belong to those who raise them but rather to government entities.
“They steal a cow from you, and you have to pay the State for it, because they are the owners, not you,” he stated.
The farmer recounted that, despite having purchased the cattle with his own money and bearing all the costs of raising them, the authorities hold him responsible when a theft occurs. According to his complaint, instead of pursuing the criminal, the institutions impose fines on the affected producer.
"I buy them, raise them, work hard for them, and then they come to fine me. They don't pursue the thief, but they do penalize me," she expressed with indignation.
The testimony also points to the alleged complicity of the authorities in this process, noting that the police support the sanctions against the farmers instead of investigating the crimes.
These reports reflect a recurring issue in the Cuban agricultural sector, where a lack of incentives, insecurity, and state control over the means of production continue to affect the already depressed agricultural output. The situation directly impacts food availability in the country and exacerbates the economic crisis facing the population.
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