Artemisa agricultural companies face massive debt to local farmers

State-run agricultural enterprises in the Artemisa province of Cuba are facing massive debts owed to hundreds of local farmers and cooperatives. Reports indicate that total debts to producers exceed 95 million pesos, with the San Antonio de los Baños agricultural company owing approximately 60 million pesos and the Artemisa municipal company owing 35.7 million pesos.

Local producers, including members of the Credit and Services Cooperative (CCS) Tomás Álvarez Breto, report that payments have been delayed for up to ten months. Some farmers have been forced to halt deliveries because they lack the funds to cover farm expenses, purchase fertilizers, or pay workers' daily cash wages.

In addition to debts owed to farmers, state enterprises are struggling with significant bank liabilities. One enterprise reported owing over 260 million pesos in overdue credits from previous years, resulting in banks seizing 80% of their incoming revenue to service the debt, leaving only 20% for salaries and operational costs.