A boost for local producers. The State Procurement of Madagascar (SPM) purchased 37 tons of paddy rice from farmers in the Bongolava region last Saturday. According to the Ministry of Trade and Consumption, direct purchasing from farmers is a measure taken to regulate rice prices. “This was implemented by the central government, through the Ministry of Trade and Consumption and the SPM, to protect farmers and safeguard their interests,” stated Rufin Zafimihary, Director of Competition and Market Regulation (DCRM). Bongolava rice farmers and state representatives agreed on a purchase price of 1,500 ariary per kilogram of paddy.
However, these local purchases do not affect planned rice imports. To face the upcoming lean season (2026-2027), Madagascar will still need to import approximately 400,000 tons of rice to bridge the gap in national production. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), total import requirements for 2026 are estimated at 800,000 tons. The General Directorate of Customs indicates that 415,000 tons have already been imported since the beginning of the year.
“While the country needs imported rice, the SPM also aims to protect the income of local farmers against potential speculation. In this sense, it prioritizes local paddy purchases without ruling out future imports, always based on actual market needs,” said the state-owned company, whose primary mission is to regulate the market for essential goods (PPN) and energy in Madagascar.
Bongolava farmers expressed their satisfaction. “We believe that if this continues, rice will not remain stuck in the countryside and farmers will be saved,” said Martin Rakotoarisoa, head of the Marolaona fokontany in the Tsiroanomandidy Fihaonana commune. This is only the beginning, as the SPM intends to expand its strategic stock with further paddy purchases in Bongolava and other regions of the country.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-01 06:23:34 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/09/production-locale-la-state-procurement.html
