Facing the collapse of paddy prices in Alaotra-Mangoro, cultivators are turning to artisanal rum production. A reconversion driven by economic urgency.

An artisanal distillery set up far from public view to produce homemade alcohol.

Out of necessity. The collapse of paddy prices is disrupting the economy of farming households in the Alaotra-Mangoro region. Currently sold between 900 and 1,100 ariary per kilogram, rice no longer allows many producers to cover their costs or repay loans taken from microfinance institutions. In several rural communes, some cultivators have chosen an unexpected path: artisanal rum production (highly prized by enthusiasts) to ensure their families' survival.

In the rural commune of Manakambahiny Ouest, three fathers of families pooled their resources to launch this activity. All agreed to testify anonymously, fearing potential retaliation despite evolving regulations on artisanal alcohol commercialization.

"I must repay over three million ariary to a bank before the end of July. At current paddy prices, I would need to sell more than three tonnes of rice, yet my harvest doesn't even reach that volume. I had no other choice but to produce artisanal rum," confides Rakoto, a pseudonym.

His fellow sufferer, Rakotozanany, also describes a decision made out of necessity. "We produce about 50 litres per week. The litre sells between 4,000 and 8,000 ariary depending on quality, representing nearly 200,000 to 400,000 ariary in weekly revenue. It's not luxury, but it's what allows us to continue living."

Diversification imposed by crisis

For these farmers, this reconversion is not an abandonment of rice cultivation, but a survival strategy. Ramarokoto explains that banks continue demanding full loan repayment without accounting for market collapse. "We're forced to sell more rice to repay our debts. But if we sell our entire harvest, what remains to feed our families until the next season?"

Artisanal rum production relies on rudimentary means. Producers use 250 to 400 kilograms of sugarcane, a large barrel converted into a still, and substantial quantities of firewood to ensure distillation. A demanding activity, but now more profitable than selling paddy in the current context.

This situation illustrates the fragility of Madagascar's main rice-growing region. When paddy prices collapse, thousands of families see their financial balance falter. Awaiting market improvement or state support measures, some producers have no alternative but to diversify their income, even if it means taking paths they never imagined months ago.

By Donné Raherinjatovo