The State Procurement of Madagascar (SPM) has purchased 37 tonnes of paddy from rice farmers in the Bongolava region last Saturday. This direct rice purchase from farmers is a measure taken to regulate its price, according to the Ministry of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. "This was implemented by the central government, through the Ministry of Commerce and Consumer Affairs as well as the SPM, in order to protect farmers and safeguard their interests," declared Rufin Zafimihary, director of the Competition and Market Regulation Directorate (DCRM). Rice farmers from Bongolava and several state representatives agreed that paddy would be purchased at 1,500 ariary per kilogram. These local purchases do not, however, affect planned rice imports. To face the next lean period (2026-2027), Madagascar will still need to import approximately 400,000 tonnes of rice to bridge the gap in national production. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), total rice import needs for 2026 amount to 800,000 tonnes. The General Directorate of Customs reports that 415,000 tonnes have already been shipped since the beginning of the year. "Certainly, the country needs imported rice, but the SPM also aims to protect the income of local rice farmers against potential speculation. It is in this sense that it prioritizes local paddy purchases, without ruling out the possibility of importing later, but always according to real market needs," according to a statement from this state company whose main mission is to ensure market regulation of Essential Products (PPN) and energy in Madagascar. Bongolava rice farmers expressed their satisfaction. "We believe that if this continues, rice will not remain stuck in rural areas and farmers will be saved," said Martin Rakotoarisoa, chief of the fokontany of Marolaona in the municipality of Tsiroanomandidy Fihaonana. This would only be the beginning. The SPM intends to expand its strategic stock with additional paddy purchases in Bongolava, as well as in other regions of the country.