Eleven tractors and their agricultural equipment were handed over to farmers’ organizations in Vakinankaratra, Antsirabe, on Saturday. This initiative is part of the government’s efforts to increase agricultural output and gradually reduce reliance on rice imports. The handover took place at the Center for Manufacturing, Training, and Application of Agricultural Machinery and Mechanization (CFFAMMA), attended by the President of the Refoundation, Michaël Randrianirina.
The Massey Ferguson tractors come with plows, sprayers, rotavators, seeders, and trailers. These tools are intended to help farmers mechanize their work, particularly soil preparation and crop-related operations. Training on equipment usage is also planned.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty stated that the goal is to improve yields on existing cultivated land rather than solely expanding agricultural areas. This operation is part of a national strategy to produce an additional one million tons of white rice, aiming to reduce dependence on imports.
Agriculture accounts for 28% of Madagascar’s GDP and supports 78% of the active population. Rice, the country’s staple food, represents 12% of the GDP. Despite its economic importance, national production often fails to meet domestic demand, necessitating imports.
Support for Vakinankaratra extends beyond mechanization. In Antsirabe I, over 216 farmers will receive organic fertilizer, NPK, and improved rice and maize seeds. In Antsirabe II, the World Food Programme (WFP) is providing 60 tarpaulins to help with post-harvest drying and reduce losses. Additionally, 200 bicycles and backpacks have been distributed to local agricultural extension agents across 93 communes to ensure better technical support and proximity monitoring for producers.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-20 20:08:34 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.2424.mg/agriculture-le-gouvernement-mise-sur-la-mecanisation-pour-accroitre-la-production-rizicole-dans-le-vakinankaratra/
