For several months, barley producers have been facing difficulties that are forcing them to reduce their production. In Manandriana, many have cut back their cultivated areas. “Previously, I cultivated 30 ares. Today, I am forced to reduce my area to 10 ares due to the decline in production we are experiencing,” says Andriamangazafy Mamy Rolland, who has been growing barley as a counter-season crop to rice for nearly 30 years. This sector, essential to the region’s inhabitants, is going through a difficult period due to taxation.
The progressive increase in excise duties on beer since 2024 has led to a contraction in orders and, de facto, a drop in the price of barley. In 2024, the Malagasy state initiated a general increase in excise duties on alcoholic beverages, introducing a minimum surcharge of at least 100 ariary per liter. This year, the initial finance law tightened fiscal pressure by setting a floor price of 850 ariary per liter for malt beer with an alcohol content of 4% or less.
With the amended finance law, following repeated alarms from industrialists and farmers’ associations regarding declining barley collection, the government backtracked, lowering the floor price to 750 ariary per liter for malt beer at 4% or less.
Despite this measure, the situation remains concerning for producers. Many have abandoned this crop for more profitable alternatives. Data shows that between 2025 and this year, the number of producers dropped from 20,000 to 15,000. This decline of 5,000 producers could continue. “What we fear, if the situation persists and we no longer have enough work, is that the acts of banditry that worry us so much as rural farmers will regain ground in our region,” adds Mamy Rolland Andriamangazafy.
Fenonantenaina Honoré Patrick, mayor of the Anjoma Manandriana commune, confirms that “the inhabitants of the commune began growing barley in 1996, 30 years ago. Today, 90% of the population lives off barley cultivation.” However, this gradual decline in orders and consumption could have a direct impact on major producers, as alcoholic beverages represent one of the most stable indirect tax resources for the state’s general budget.
Captured & Published at: 2026-08-21 05:54:28 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/08/filiere-orge-des-paysans-contraints-de.html
