The Atsimo Andrefana region is the only area in Madagascar where cotton is still produced. Due to the El Niño phenomenon, production is at high risk of being severely compromised.
It has not rained since last August in Analamisampy, a rural commune in the Toliara II district. According to local reports, the last rainfall lasted only about thirty minutes. Ludovic Honaly, a major planter in Analamisampy, currently has his 70-hectare cotton plantation completely dried out.
“For now, we are clearing the land, as we finished production nearly a month ago. We are plowing to prepare for the new season, which should begin in November,” he explained. However, he noted that seeds cannot develop without rain, as the region lacks rivers and relies entirely on rainfall. If the drought persists, the cotton crop will not survive.
Planters expressed concern over a lack of information regarding El Niño and its consequences. They are calling on authorities to consider artificial rain if the drought worsens. Atsimo Andrefana produces about 6,000 tons of cotton annually, primarily for export.
Small-scale farmers also face financial difficulties, as some collectors have delayed payments due to cash flow issues. If rain does not return within two months, farmers may be forced to switch to market gardening, sugarcane, or cassava to avoid a food crisis. The Meteorological Department has warned of a rainfall deficit and high temperatures, while the government is preparing a multisectoral response, including the deployment of 320 multi-purpose water systems in the south.
Captured & Published at: 2026-10-16 06:08:55 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/10/atsimo-andrefana-la-filiere-coton.html
