Falling prices and heavy administrative procedures are weakening the ylang-ylang sector. A local mechanism is set to facilitate procedures for operators and reduce export-related costs.
Following a consultation meeting bringing together operators and various stakeholders in the ylang-ylang sector in Nosy Be, the upcoming establishment of a one-stop shop and a decentralized laboratory is emerging as a response to the difficulties currently hindering the activities of producers, processors, and especially exporters.
During the meeting last Saturday, participants gathered around a common concern: how to give a new impetus to an iconic sector of the island and strengthen its ability to meet the demands of the international market?
Organized by the Integrated Growth Pole (PIC) project, with financial support from the French Development Agency (AFD) and in collaboration with the Group of Essential Oil and Extract Exporters of Madagascar (GEHEM), this meeting comes as a significant drop in prices, combined with increased charges and constraints, weakens the entire value chain.
The discussions highlighted the burden of administrative procedures and export analysis requirements. According to Marc Tombozafy, an essential oil producer in Belamandy, operators in Nosy Be often have to travel to Antsiranana or even Antananarivo for administrative fees and laboratory analyses, incurring significant travel and accommodation costs.
Since 2020, the sector has faced a sharp decline in prices, with the price per kilogram of flowers dropping from around 6,000 ariary to as low as 500 to 1,000 ariary. To address this, a new project starting October 1st will see the construction of a one-stop shop in Nosy Be, allowing operators to complete all export-related administrative procedures locally.
In the long term, a laboratory is also planned to be installed, which could serve not only Nosy Be but also Ambanja and the Sofia region, significantly reducing costs and lead times. Furthermore, exporters emphasized the need to diversify international markets, as currently nearly 70% of Malagasy essential oils are destined for the French market.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-29 05:53:36 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/09/nosy-be-lylang-ylang-la-recherche-dun.html
