Rédaction Africa Links 24 with lexpress
Published on 2024-03-18 02:50:00
| The Minoteries de l’Ocean Indien were inaugurated in November 2020. |
For at least a month, the prices of some essential products have not changed, providing a relief to household budgets. This stability is part of the food self-sufficiency and industrialization policies promoted under Rajoelina, which are starting to yield tangible results.
The prices of flour and cooking oil have been maintained at a certain level for some time, observed across markets in the capital and its surroundings. In Mahazo, for example, the prices of flour range between 3,200 and 4,200 ariary per kilogram, supported in part by the contribution of new factories, thus indicating a growing local production. The recent establishment of the “Minoteries de l’Ocean Indien” factory, inaugurated by President Andry Rajoelina, contributes to this stability by meeting a significant portion of local flour needs.
The same applies to cooking oil, sold between 9,000 and 13,000 ariary per liter, depending on its quality. The numbers show a local consumption estimated at 56 million liters per year, largely covered by domestic production, although it still partly depends on semi-imported productions, with the HITA oil refinery. The “One District, One Factory” (ODOF) program is gradually working towards fully local production, with the installation of seven peanut oil mills, representing a processing capacity of 9.4 tons per day, equivalent to 800,000 liters of peanut oil produced annually.
A solution for sugar
However, other products, such as sugar, are facing a price hike. In fact, the price per kilogram has increased from 5,200 ariary to 5,600 ariary in just a few days. Some varieties, especially brown sugar, are becoming scarce at retailers in various markets in the capital. This situation is attributed by some wholesalers to accumulated delays in deliveries, mainly due to the deteriorated state of roads, as well as the presence of speculators disrupting the supply chains of this product. Despite these challenges, the country continues its path towards sugar self-sufficiency.
Local sugar consumption reaches 220,000 tons, while domestic production is limited to 90,000 tons, provided by sugar factories located in Namakia and Ambilobe. A deficit of 130,000 tons is thus filled by imports. The establishment of new mini-sugar mills marks a significant progress towards sugar self-sufficiency.
Price stability
This price stability, although tempered by difficulties, depends on various factors, including the importation of most essential products. The promotion of local production is considered a means to better regulate markets and create added value, according to some economists.
Food self-sufficiency and industrialization are among the key pillars of Madagascar’s development policy, with a particular focus on the installation of industrial units through the ODOF program. Edgard Razafindravahy, Minister of Industrialization and Trade, confirms that “no district will be forgotten.” According to the Department of Industrialization and Trade, fifty-two industrial units are operational in twenty-one regions, transforming local products into finished goods tailored to consumer needs. This program is constantly expanding, with projects underway in other districts, aiming to extend the benefits of local production to the entire country.
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