1. Could you introduce your strategic vision for the agriculture and livestock sector in Madagascar?
First, I would like to emphasize that the mission of every Minister in Madagascar is guided by the vision of His Excellency, the President of the Republic. In the agriculture and livestock sectors, our President, His Excellency Mr. Andry Rajoelina, has launched a comprehensive *national strategy for agricultural transformation*. The objective is clear and ambitious: to transition from a subsistence-based production system to one that not only meets domestic demand but also positions Madagascar as a net exporter.
This transformation rests on two foundational pillars:
1. Supporting and professionalizing family farming through rural development initiatives.
2. Promoting agribusiness to attract private sector investment across agricultural value chains.
Together, these pillars aim to enhance productivity, ensure food sovereignty, and elevate Madagascar’s status as the breadbasket of the Indian Ocean and beyond.
2. What concrete steps are being taken to increase rice production, a national staple?
Rice is our most critical staple, yet current production, approximately 5 million tons of paddy rice annually, remains insufficient for our population. Our strategy focuses on three key components:
1. Water Control: We plan to rehabilitate and develop over 100,000 hectares of irrigated land within the next three years. Irrigation is indispensable; as we often say, "rice and water are inseparable."
2. Certified Seed Distribution: Through partnerships with institutions like FOFIFA, CIRAD, and the FAO, we are expanding access to high-yield, certified seeds.
3. Local Fertilizer Production: To reduce import dependency, we are investing in two major fertilizer plants: one in the south for organic fertilizer (using guano) and another in Toamasina for ammonium sulphate-based fertilizer, both developed with Emirati investors.
3. Beyond inputs, how are you training and supporting local farmers?
We have launched a "training caravan" initiative, where my team and I travel to every region to deliver hands-on agricultural training. These efforts are reinforced by local teams who continue training at district and municipal levels.
Additionally, we are cultivating *formative farmers*, skilled producers who serve as community trainers. Our approach is practical: participants receive a comprehensive package of inputs, technical support, and small-scale equipment, but only after completing the training. Follow-up evaluations ensure the program’s effectiveness and measure its impact on productivity.
4. How are farmers being organized for more efficient market integration?
We actively encourage farmers to form cooperatives or cooperative societies. While associations are valuable, cooperatives offer a stronger commercial framework by enabling farmers to pool production and negotiate collectively. For example, selling rice as a unified cooperative enhances market access and profitability, facilitating the shift from subsistence to market-oriented agriculture.
5. What are your ministry’s strategies to develop agribusiness in Madagascar?
We are identifying strategic crops, such as rice, maize, sugarcane, soy, cotton, and bananas, for large-scale investment. For each crop, we are establishing *model zones* that integrate the entire value chain: from seed production and mechanization to processing, storage, and commercialization.
These zones, developed in collaboration with the Economic Development Board of Madagascar (EDBM) and other ministries, will serve as replicable pilots. Each includes mechanization centers, processing units, storage silos, and commercialization hubs, supported by tailored business plans to attract local and international investors.
6. In the livestock sector, what are your current priorities?
We are implementing a national roadmap to address the decline in cattle numbers, from 18 million to 9 million, through herd repopulation. Key initiatives include importing high-quality breeds, expanding artificial insemination, and improving animal health and nutrition.
We are also revitalizing critical livestock centers, such as the *Fifamanor* dairy breeding center in Antsirabe. In collaboration with CIRAD and French research institutions, we are strengthening the dairy value chain, from milk collection to processing and farmer training.
7. How is the ministry leveraging technology and digital innovation to transform agriculture?
Digitalization is central to the President’s vision. Through partnerships with a Ugandan tech firm and the World Bank’s RE-PLUS project, we have introduced an e-voucher system for input distribution. This system, supported by geo-localized parcel mapping, ensures inputs reach the intended farmers efficiently.
A centralized database tracks each farmer’s land, crops, and input needs, enhancing transparency and reducing fraud. This marks a significant step toward modern, data-driven agriculture.
8. How is the ministry ensuring food security and supporting vulnerable households?
Our strategy prioritizes household-level self-sufficiency. In partnership with the FAO, WFP, and UNICEF, we are piloting agroecological techniques like *Fumvudza*, a Zimbabwean method enabling families to produce sufficient food on just 624m² of land.
Participants receive inputs and training for one year, with the goal of achieving self-sufficiency by the second year. This approach transforms vulnerable households into resilient, food-secure units.
9. What are your views on partnership opportunities with the UAE and Gulf countries?
Our collaboration with the UAE is already yielding results, such as the two fertilizer plants under development. We see immense potential for further partnerships in mechanization, organic fertilizer production, and additional NPK fertilizer facilities.
During the recent investment forum in Dubai, we presented concrete, bankable projects with detailed plans and land allocations. This pragmatic approach builds trust and attracts serious investment.
10. Finally, what message would you like to share with Khaleej Times readers?
Madagascar’s agricultural and livestock transformation is well underway. We welcome partners who share our vision and are ready to collaborate. My team and I are available to provide further details, including project documentation, visuals, or business plans. Together, we can unlock Madagascar’s potential as a regional leader in agriculture.
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