Harvesting of the 2013 main season rice crop was recently completed. Earlier forecasts were revised upward and aggregate 2013 rice production, including the main and secondary season which was harvested in July, is estimated to reach 650 000 tonnes (434 000 tonnes, milled basis) slightly up from last year’s bumper crop.
This reflects an increase in yields and area planted. In recent years the Government has supported the rice sector by facilitating access to agricultural inputs and machinery, as well as through the Viet Nam-Cuba cooperation (2010-2015), which aims to increase rice productivity, reports FAO.
In addition to the assistance received from Vietnam, Cuba is also expected to benefit from technical support from Brazil under a cooperation agreement signed this year.
Cereal imports forecast to increase in 2013/14 marketing year
The country normally imports three-quarters of its cereal consumption requirements, mainly wheat (which is not produced domestically) and rice. In the 2013/14 marketing year (July/June), imports of wheat are forecast to remain at their historical level of 800 000 tonnes.
By contrast, rice imports for the same period are forecast slightly down from last year at 390,000 tonnes following the 2013 good production.
