Local products are attracting visitors. The 27th edition of the International Fair for Rural Economy of Madagascar (FIERMADA) is taking place at Makis Stadium in Andohatapenaka from last Thursday through Sunday. Nearly 300 exhibitors from across the island, distributed across 350 stands, are actively participating. This year, local products, particularly organic vegetables, have been stormed by consumers. Agricultural cooperatives and farmer organizations representing various production basins are being highlighted during this large-scale agricultural fair. For the FANAEVA cooperative from Ambohitrinindriana, in the rural municipality of Fiaferana, Avaradrano district, peas, carrots, salads and green beans, as well as eggs, were all sold during the first two days of the event. "We all did good business this year," members testify.
Reducing Import Dependency
Seafood products, such as dried shrimp offered by small fishermen's associations, also sold like hotcakes. Additionally, dairy products, particularly lactose-free yogurt and kefir cheese, attracted visitors. It is clear that most agrifood exhibitors offered tastings to encourage consumers to purchase their products. These include dairy products, honey, cookies, jams, flavored rums and appetizers, all locally manufactured. The Malagasy population is increasingly interested in local organic products, whether raw or processed, such as "vary amin'anana" and pre-cooked fried rice with meat. Livestock products, including live fish, poultry and cats, are also featured. This dynamic helps reduce Madagascar's dependence on food imports, with many alternative products being offered on the market. It also contributes to improving producers' incomes by facilitating market access for their products.
Demonstration Sessions
It should be noted that the theme chosen for this 27th edition of FIERMADA focuses on "Solid rural roads to connect farmers to municipalities." Beyond promoting young agripreneurs' activities, various agricultural innovations are also displayed in the AgriTech space as part of this fair. Demonstration sessions on solar pumps and drip irrigation systems, as well as solar dryers for fruits, vegetables and fish, aimed at reducing post-harvest losses, are notably organized by exhibitors. Microequipment such as decorticators, mills and seeders are also presented. Furthermore, rural actors are venturing into agricultural digitalization by introducing platforms and applications designed to facilitate production techniques, particularly through weather monitoring to determine the farming calendar. These tools also facilitate the marketing of agricultural products by directly connecting producers and consumers.
Practical Conferences
Cooking and processing workshops took place during this international rural economy fair. Visitors thus have the opportunity to learn how to process cassava, fruits and milk using simple methods. For their part, producers can meet directly with buyers, whether wholesalers, collectors, individuals, hoteliers and restaurateurs, industrialists or exporters. That's not all! Actors wishing to venture into agriculture, livestock and fishing, particularly fish farming, have all the inputs and equipment necessary to start their activities after receiving appropriate training. Practical conferences on various topics, including product packaging, access to financing, compliance with standards and quality, as well as processing techniques, are also organized for visitors during the fair.