Rice producers in the Alaotra Mangoro region are finding buyers for their harvest. State Procurement of Madagascar (SPM), a state-owned company under the Ministry of Commerce and Consumption, launched its first direct paddy purchase operation from producers in the Alaotra Mangoro region last Monday, beginning in the rural commune of Tanambe. "We will purchase 1,500 tons of paddy, with 700 tons from this decentralized community, 500 tons from Andilamena commune, and 300 tons from Ampitatsimo commune, representing the three districts of the region, at an incentive price of 1,500 Ar per kilogram. We are working with local authorities including the regional government, districts, and mayors to organize the paddy purchase operation and ensure producer payments through bank transfers to secure transactions," explained SPM Chairman Gilchrist Rakotoson during the launch in Tanambe. Minimum Rate. Several producers transported their paddy stocks via mini-tractors with trailers to collection points accessible to all and located near rice mills, reducing transportation costs. "This proximity operation by the State supports farmers facing falling paddy prices on the local market while reviving their hope to work harder for the next farming season, knowing their harvests will find buyers. Many producers are requesting continuation of this operation, as our commune still has over 20,000 tons in stock," said Tanambe commune mayor Randriatahiana Lovasoa. For Hery, a producer from Amborompotsy commune, this state-set price is more attractive since current local market paddy prices stand at 1,300 Ar/kg. "We even sold our harvest at 1,000 Ar/kg at the start of the campaign last May. The second wave of this operation is eagerly awaited. A producer typically has between 10 and 20 tons of paddy in our area. Before SPM's intervention, we were forced to sell our production to cover school expenses," he added. Victorine and Fiderana, two farmers, are calling for this 1,500 Ar/kg price to be maintained as a minimum rate going forward, otherwise they face losses given their high production costs. Market Regulator. The Alaotra Mangoro region is guaranteeing the practical implementation of this operation, particularly in supervising and controlling transactions to ensure all producers are properly paid. "SPM is the first major rice sector player committing to purchase 1,500 tons of paddy at once. We are simultaneously urging the 269 licensed collectors to follow suit to sell the 500,000 tons of paddy still needing to be marketed, not counting stock from the previous campaign in Alaotra Mangoro. Currently, less than 10% of rice production has reached the market," emphasized regional chief Elire Rabemananjara. SPM plays a market regulator role by purchasing paddy from producers and selling rice on the market to prevent price increases for this staple food. "Our objective is to reduce import dependency. We also plan to rebuild a security stock to supply local rice to populations affected by cyclones or other climate-related disasters," said SPM Director General Guillot Ramilison. Avoid Speculation. National Assembly Vice-President Fidèle Razara Pierre, representing the former Toamasina province, noted that this SPM operation will create a ripple effect for all rice sector players. Furthermore, "we can accurately quantify milled rice production from the region while preventing any form of speculation," he added. SPM mills rice before selling it on the domestic market. "This is intended to supply markets in deficit areas such as Atsimo Atsinanana region, Antananarivo, and southern Madagascar. The Commerce Ministry monitors and controls the marketing circuit of this product from partner wholesalers to retailers so consumers can purchase rice at a fair price," assured the ministry's secretary general, also SPM chairman.