A €4.5 Million Investment to Save €600 Million Annually
Cuba faces a silent but devastating financial hemorrhage. Every year, the nation spends €900 million importing milk and animal feed—representing 40% of all food imports into the country. This is a problem that Fidel Castro identified years ago, and he had the solution: moringa.
Today, that solution is more viable than ever. With a one-time investment of just €4.5 million in high-quality moringa seeds, Cuba can reduce these import costs by €600 million annually within the next 2-3 years. This is not a theoretical promise. It is simple economic mathematics combined with proven agricultural science.
The Problem: A Dependency That Drains Foreign Currency
The financial reality:
Cuba spends €900 million annually on imported dairy and animal feed products. This figure is unsustainable. It represents a constant drain of foreign currency that could be reinvested in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and national development.
The philosophical problem:
Why should a nation with available land, an ideal tropical climate, and a revolutionary agricultural heritage depend on imports of what it can produce domestically? Why should Cuba—which once led agricultural innovation—remain vulnerable to external price shocks and global market volatility?
The cost of waiting:
While Cuba delays, other nations are adopting moringa and achieving agricultural self-sufficiency. The window to act is now. Each month of delay costs Cuba millions in unnecessary imports.
The Solution: Moringa—The Miracle Tree
Moringa is not an experiment. It is the solution that Fidel Castro identified as crucial for Cuba’s food sovereignty and economic independence. Here is why it works:
Extraordinary nutritional profile:
Moringa leaves contain 25% crude protein—comparable to soybean meal, one of the world’s most expensive animal feed supplements. But its benefits extend far beyond this:
- 7 times more vitamin C than oranges
- 4 times more calcium than milk
- 2 times more protein than yogurt
- Rich in essential amino acids, minerals, and vitamins
Proven impact on milk production:
Here is the transformative data: when cattle are fed moringa, milk production increases between 30% and 50%according to multiple scientific studies. But it is not just quantity that increases. The quality of milk also improves due to moringa’s exceptional nutrition.
For this economic analysis, we use a conservative increase of 25% in milk production. Scientific studies support even greater increases.
Yield capacity:
Moringa produces 4-6 harvests annually. High-yield plantations generate 150-200 tons of fresh leaves per hectare annually. This translates into dry leaf powder (shelf-stable, easy to transport and store), representing concentrated and versatile nutrition.
Ease of cultivation:
- Grows in diverse soil conditions
- Exceptional drought tolerance
- Minimal water requirements compared to other feed crops
- Resistant to pests and diseases
- Minimal inputs required once established
- Thrives in Cuba’s tropical climate
The Plan: A Simple Path to Success
This is a project with straightforward, proven execution. No unnecessary complexity.
Step 1: Plant nationally
Invest €4.5 million in 150 tons of PKM-1 moringa seeds (the highest-quality seeds with superior yield available globally). Establish national plantations using only 1.14% of Cuba’s cultivable land. This is feasible immediately.
Step 2: Direct grazing
Without the need for expensive feed factories or complex processing, livestock can graze directly in moringa plantations. Although Cuba can establish processing facilities according to specific requirements if desired.
Step 3: Harvest results
Milk production increases. Feed costs drop dramatically. Cuba saves €600 million annually.
The Economic Analysis: Numbers That Speak for Themselves
Initial investment: €4.5 million (one-time only)
- Acquisition of 150 tons of premium seeds
- Maritime shipping
- Initial technical support
Estimated annual savings: €600 million
Breakdown of savings:
| Concept | Annual Savings |
| Substitution of imported animal feed (25-30%) | ~€100 million |
| Reduction in powdered milk imports (through increased milk production of 30-50%) | ~€300 million |
| Reduction in supplementary feed costs through livestock health improvements | ~€200 million |
| Total annual | ~€600 million |
Return on investment:
The €4.5 million investment is recovered in less than 3 days of import cost savings.
Over a decade, cumulative savings exceed €6 billion while building a permanent productive asset.
Beyond Milk and Feed: Multi-Sectoral Strategic Benefits
Moringa offers value that extends far beyond food substitution. It is a multi-sectoral solution for Cuba.
1. Energy Independence Through Biofuels
Moringa seeds contain 40% oil that converts to biodiesel through transesterification. Unlike other biofuel crops (palm, soy), moringa is drought-resistant and thrives in poor soils.
Strategic benefits:
- Dramatically reduces dependence on imported petroleum
- Strengthens national energy security
- Powers agricultural machinery and transportation in rural and urban areas
- Supports Cuba’s global climate commitments
2. Carbon Sequestration: Monetizing Sustainability
Moringa absorbs 20 times more CO₂ than traditional trees, making it a high-impact solution for climate change mitigation. Large-scale moringa plantations can reforest degraded lands and restore soil fertility.
Economic opportunity—Carbon credits:
- Cuba can generate and sell carbon credits to global corporations and governments
- This initiative could generate millions in foreign revenue
- Promotes ecological restoration while generating income
Strategic benefits:
- Strengthens Cuba’s leadership in sustainable agriculture
- Monetizes reforestation efforts through international carbon markets
- Restores degraded lands, improving overall agricultural productivity
3. Public Health: A Nutritional Superfood
Moringa is used globally to combat malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies. Its medical benefits include:
- Stimulates immune function
- Helps prevent anemia, diabetes, and hypertension
- Provides a natural, affordable alternative to imported vitamins and supplements
- Can be integrated into national school feeding programs
- Strengthens rural healthcare initiatives
Strategic benefits:
- Strengthens Cuba’s food security
- Reduces malnutrition with low-cost natural solutions
- Reduces dependence on imported supplements
4. Environmental Sustainability
Moringa plantations improve soil quality, naturally fix nitrogen, and restore degraded lands. Cuba would position itself as a global leader in regenerative agriculture.
Fidel Castro’s Legacy: Reclaiming the Vision
Fidel Castro identified moringa as “the miracle tree”—capable of nourishing the people, strengthening livestock, and reducing import dependency. This was not a passing idea. It was a national sovereignty strategy.
Our project reclaims this legacy exactly as Fidel envisioned it:
Investing €4.5 million in 150 tons of premium seeds to:
- Increase milk and meat productivity
- Substitute €600 million in annual imports
- Position Cuba as a leader in sustainable agriculture
- Restore food independence in the spirit of South-South cooperation
As Fidel himself stated: “Moringa is a solution for Cuba’s present and future.”
The Reality: Cuba Has a Choice
Cuba faces two paths:
Path 1: Continue the €900 million annual hemorrhage in imports. Remain vulnerable to global markets. Depend on external suppliers. Each passing year, costs grow.
Path 2: Invest €4.5 million today. Take control of the future. Reduce imports by 50% within 3-5 years. Save €600 million annually. Honor Fidel Castro’s vision. Build self-sufficiency for a generation.
The Strategic Impact: What Cuba Gains
With this initiative, Cuba achieves:
- Strengthened food sovereignty — Domestic control of critical food supplies
- Substantial reduction in foreign currency spending — €600 million annually available for other strategic uses
- Increased livestock productivity — Better meat, better milk, better animal health
- Leadership in Latin America — Positioning in sustainable dairy and regenerative agriculture
- The Commander’s legacy — Realization of Fidel Castro’s vision for Cuba
- Long-term economic security — Protection against external price volatility
Why Now: The Window Is Open
The seeds are available. The technology is proven. The land is suitable. The climate is ideal. Other governments are implementing moringa successfully. Cuba has everything needed to execute immediately.
The only missing element is the decision to invest €4.5 million today to save €600 million annually tomorrow.
Why This Moment Matters
- Global feed markets remain volatile and expensive
- Cuba’s current import burden is economically unsustainable
- Proven moringa technology eliminates risk
- Other nations are ahead—Cuba must not fall further behind
- Fidel’s vision remains unfulfilled—the time to honor it is now
About Terry Exports LLP
Terry Exports LLP, based in Delhi, India, is a premium moringa export specialist working directly with governments on moringa initiatives.
Our credentials:
- Exporting PKM-1 moringa seeds (the highest-quality variety with superior yield)
- Working with governments on comprehensive moringa projects
- Providing consulting on implementation and technical support
- Network of moringa scientists globally, including Dr. Conchita and Dr. Carrie Waterman (world-renowned moringa scientist)
- Premium seeds available now—global demand is increasing
- Any delay costs Cuba millions in unnecessary imports
We understand moringa cultivation, processing standards, export logistics, and the complete value chain. We have guided multiple governments and agricultural enterprises in building moringa supply chains. We are positioned to support Cuba’s journey toward food independence with expert guidance, quality seed supply, and hands-on implementation support.
The question is not whether moringa works. It does. The question is: when will Cuba decide to invest €4.5 million today to save €600 million tomorrow?
The miracle tree is ready. The solution is proven. The time is now.