2023-09-15 06:00:00
Madagascar recently imported 15,950 tonnes of rice. This important import is intended for Toliara to meet the food needs of the population. Imports coming mainly from India and Pakistan compensate for insufficient national production.
The State Procurement of Madagascar (SPM) says in a statement that it is working with key suppliers, despite India’s restrictions, to import the rice needed for the country. Since the end of July, India has banned exports of non-basmati white rice to try to calm the rise in their domestic prices. The July export ban sparked global concerns as India is the world’s largest exporter of rice. In August, India agreed to continue supplying the country for the rest of the year after negotiations with its ambassador to Madagascar and the commerce ministry.
To stabilize the price, SPM says it is working with local collectors to acquire national rice. The importation of rice can indeed temporarily solve the problem of insufficient production but it cannot be a lasting solution for the national economy. Agricultural sector specialists are calling on the government to take concrete measures in favor of local rice production, notably by investing in agricultural development programs to improve yields and the quality of the harvest.
The Ministry of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, for its part, indicated that reinforced controls are planned to avoid speculation and promote a balanced market.
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