MADAGASCAR – Madagascar, Africa’s third-largest rice producer after Nigeria and Egypt, is embarking on its most significant agricultural investment, allocating 573 billion ariarys (US$122.7 million) to accelerate hybrid rice production.
This initiative, with the goal of achieving 100% rice self-sufficiency by 2026, could position Madagascar as a model for food security in Africa.
Currently, the island nation produces an average of 3.4 million tonnes of milled rice annually, meeting 88-90% of domestic consumption.
However, traditional rice varieties, yielding 2.7 tonnes per hectare, have long constrained Madagascar’s ability to meet its full demand.
Hybrid rice varieties hold promise yields of up to 8.5 tonnes per hectare, tripling production efficiency. This could not only close the current production gap but also potentially enable surplus exports in the future.
The government’s hybrid rice strategy has benefited from partnerships with international players.
China’s Yuan’s Seed company and the FAO-China South-South Cooperation program have played pivotal roles in training local farmers, introducing mechanized farming techniques, and developing hybrid varieties tailored to Madagascar’s climate.
Additionally, a recent memorandum with South Korea’s K-Ricebelt Project will further bolster hybrid rice technologies across the nation.
According to the country report, hybrid rice cultivation has already transformed lives in pilot regions.
Farmers have reported increased yields from 3 tonnes to 10 tonnes per hectare, leading to surplus production and higher incomes.
For example, in regions like Ambohidratrimo, enhanced techniques and mechanization are making farming more efficient, enabling year-round cultivation. With 1.6 million hectares under rice, the potential for nationwide adoption of hybrid rice is vast.
While the prospects are promising, challenges such as limited irrigation infrastructure and the high cost of scaling up hybrid rice farming remain.
The government’s plan to source 80% of the funding from external partners underscores the need for sustained international cooperation.
If successful, this initiative could redefine Madagascar’s agricultural landscape, eliminate reliance on rice imports, and establish the nation as a leader in hybrid rice cultivation on the continent.
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