The 27th edition of the International Fair of the Rural Economy of Madagascar (FIER Mada) stands out for the presence of numerous dried and processed products. Farmers are increasingly venturing into agri-food processing. Their activities range from drying fruits and vegetables to producing banana flour, and transforming cassava into tapioca flour, cakes, or even ‘Palets Bretons’ biscuits. The most innovative product this year is dried minced meat, produced by the Tantsaha Miavotra cooperative from Manjakandriana.
“This product was born from a cooperation project to supply vegetables to school canteens in the South. The machine we used could not keep up with the demand, so our project shifted to minced meat,” explained Sarobidy Razanadrakoto, a member of the cooperative, on the sidelines of the official opening of the event, which is being held in Andohatapenaka until Sunday.
These agri-food transformations were initiated as an anti-waste solution. “When the potato and carrot season arrives, they rot and their prices collapse, yet we cannot even preserve them,” adds Sarobidy Razanadrakoto.
These farmers are expanding the short list of agricultural industries in Madagascar. “Raw materials are available in Ambilobe and Ambanja, but there is no processing on-site. Buyers are content with purchasing beans for export. To add more value, these projects have been implemented,” says Olivia Rakotondrasoa, coordination assistant for the village energy network project in Ambilobe and Ambanja, who supports villagers in entrepreneurship and processing for the production of banana flour, dried lemon and orange, and mango powder.
The challenge for these farmers is to find a place in the market. For now, their processed products have not yet won over the hearts of consumers. Faced with this difficulty, the Analamanga Region affirms its support. “Currently, we are identifying and selecting operators who will benefit from the region’s support over the next six months, whether in the livestock or agricultural sector,” announced Clémence Raharinirina, Head of the Analamanga Region, during the event.
Captured & Published at: 2026-08-06 06:09:12 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/08/industrie-des-producteurs-se-lancent.html
