Ostrich, rodent on the menu as Cuba seeks food miracle

SUMMARY

From breeding miniature cows to importing water buffalo, Cuban leaders have long gotten creative in their effort to remedy food shortages. Now, they are proposing ostrich and rodent farms as an answer, prompting ridicule from a weary population.

By ReutersApr 12, 2019 10:56:03 AM IST (Published)

A flock of ostriches is seen at a farm on the outskirts of Havana, Cuba. (REUTERS/Fernando Medina)

Meat and eggs have become hard to find in the Communist-run country in recent months due to a declining economy. (REUTERS/Fernando Medina)

Cuba imports 60 to 70 percent of its food because of the inefficient central planning of the state-run economy and the effect of the decades-old US trade embargo. (REUTERS/Fernando Medina)

An ostrich is seen at a farm. (REUTERS/Fernando Medina)

Ostriches are seen at a farm on the outskirts of Havana. (REUTERS/Fernando Medina)

An ostrich is seen at a local zoo in Havana. REUTERS/Fernando Medina