Encouraging local Malagasy rice farming

Wholesalers in the capital are witnessing a decline in local rice prices. This drop is attributed to higher rice availability and increased production, benefiting consumers.

The price of rice in the capital is falling due to increased local availability and the end of the harvest period. Currently, rice is sold at 175 to 350 MGA less per kilo than a few weeks ago, with the average price of kapoaka at 700 MGA in the capital’s markets. This trend is mainly seen among wholesalers and semi-retailers, while prices in local stores remain unchanged.

The marketing of rice from Imerintsiatosika and Mahitsy is starting to benefit the sector. Andrianiaina Randriamiaramahefa, Director of Internal Trade at the Ministry of Industrialization and Trade, confirms the drop in prices. The latest monthly bulletin from the Rice Observatory supports this, showing rice prices down by 0.6 % to 3.2 % in various regions of the island.

The Ministry of Industrialization and Trade (MIC) is collaborating with the State Procurement of Madagascar (SPM) to reduce rice imports. The Ministry ensures a regular and stable supply of rice across all regions, addressing a major consumer concern.