From July 23 to 25, the rural commune of Anketrakabe (Antsiranana II district) hosted the third edition of the Tsakotsako Festival, an economic event dedicated to the maize industry. The festival aims to connect producers with buyers, promote modern agricultural techniques, and encourage local processing to add value to this strategic crop.
Despite the remote location and poor road conditions, a large crowd attended, highlighting the festival’s growing importance. The opening ceremony was attended by the Diana Regional Chief, General Louis Francio Marovavy, alongside civil and military authorities. Maize, dubbed the “yellow sapphire” for the prosperity it brings, was the central theme, with the village decorated with corn cobs and bustling with trade.
The success of this region dates back to the 1990s with the adoption of the IRAT 200 variety. Today, the commune produces nearly 4,000 tons of maize annually. However, the industry faces challenges such as the “folera mena” (red flower) disease, soil depletion, and poor infrastructure. The Regional Chief emphasized that improving road access and increasing yields to seven tons per hectare are top priorities for the region’s development.
The festival concluded with traditional Morengy wrestling matches and a popular ball, celebrating the community’s agricultural achievements.
Captured & Published at: 2026-07-25 06:08:48 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/07/antsiranana-le-saphir-jaune-lhonneur-au.html
