Domestic
Moraranon'Antongona: State agricultural inputs diverted from farmers
Agricultural inputs intended to support farmers in the rural commune of Moraranon'Antongona, in Arivonimamo district, were diverted before reaching their beneficiaries. The case, revealed following an inventory conducted on June 30, led to the arrest of three people suspected of participating in the diversion of state property. The alert was raised by the commune mayor after discovering discrepancies in stocks of rice seeds and fertilizer stored in communal facilities. These inputs, provided by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Self-Sufficiency as part of its support program for producers, were intended for distribution to Moraranon'Antongona farmers. The warehouse contained 57 bags of rice seeds, 140 bags of urea fertilizer, and 342 bags of NPK fertilizer, placed under the guard of a surveillance officer. During inspection, ten bags of rice seeds, ten bags of urea fertilizer, and five bags of NPK fertilizer were found missing. The Imerintsiatosika gendarmerie brigade opened an investigation. Inquiries led to the arrest of the warehouse guard, suspected of removing goods at night with the complicity of two other individuals responsible for reselling them. Investigators recovered part of the diverted products: one and a half bags of rice seeds and two bags of urea fertilizer. Seven buyers were also identified. According to their statements, they were unaware the products were stolen. Under the mayor's supervision, they committed to returning all acquired inputs. According to information gathered, some diverted inputs were among donations delivered on June 23 by a senior advisor of the Refondation to Moraranon'Antongona farmers as part of agricultural support initiatives. This diversion temporarily compromises the distribution of equipment essential to farmers who relied on these seeds and fertilizers for the upcoming agricultural season. Three suspects are currently held for investigation purposes. Inquiries continue to locate remaining products, identify other possible persons involved, and fully clarify the matter.
Source: Midi Madagasikara