Madagascar, an enchanting island nation situated off the southeastern coast of Africa, is renowned for its extraordinary cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and unparalleled biodiversity. The country also boasts a wide array of food and agricultural traditions that have sustained its population for centuries.
The agricultural practices in Madagascar are deeply rooted in history and centered around traditional farming methods. The island's rich diversity of ecosystems and microclimates provide favorable conditions for cultivating a wide range of crops. Key staples in Malagasy cuisine encompass rice, cassava, sweet potatoes, maize, and beans. Among these, rice holds a particularly significant role, being consumed in various forms and at any time of the day. The intricate rice terraces that grace many regions of the country serve as a testament to the importance and cultural significance of rice farming in Madagascar.
Local farmers in Madagascar are harvesting perennial rice. The ideal climate and environment in Madagascar are well-suited for the cultivation of perennial rice.
Madagascar's traditional agricultural practices have encountered a multitude of challenges in recent decades. The agricultural sector grapples with obstacles such as climate change, deforestation, inadequate transportation infrastructure, and limited access to modern resources. In mid-2021, a severe drought in southern Madagascar resulted in extensive food insecurity, impacting hundreds of thousands of individuals, with estimates indicating that the impact extended to over a million people, half of whom were children.
Madagascar is actively undertaking substantial measures to tackle these challenges by embracing innovative and sustainable approaches. Notably, the country has forged a partnership with BGI Group to promote the cultivation of perennial rice. This collaboration signifies Madagascar's commitment to implementing progressive agricultural practices and underscores its dedication to sustainable and resilient food production systems. By joining forces with BGI Group, Madagascar aims to leverage the expertise and resources of both entities to promote the widespread adoption and success of perennial rice cultivation, thereby contributing to the country's agricultural development and food security goals.
Perennial rice stands as an exceptional variety that offers the remarkable advantage of being planted only once while allowing for harvesting over a period of 2-4 years. This unique characteristic eliminates the need to purchase seeds starting from the second year within the life span of rice. Recognized as one of the top 10 scientific breakthroughs by Science in 2022, perennial rice has proven to reduce the workload per hectare by up to 77 person-days per season. Additionally, it has the potential to effectively reduce farmers' expenses by 30%. These notable benefits make perennial rice a game-changing innovation in agriculture, enhancing productivity while easing the financial burden on farmers.
Knocking rice off the rice straws by striking them into a barrel – a traditional technique still preserved today by farmers in Madagascar.
Perennial rice was introduced to Madagascar in early 2023, which has showcased promising outcomes on local farmlands. The average yield has surpassed 10 tons per hectare, leading to substantial savings in costs. This significant progress marks the latest accomplishment resulting from the ongoing international collaboration between BGI Group and the Madagascar government, which commenced in 2018 with a focus on foxtail millet.
"We are truly amazed by what BGI Group has achieved with perennial rice and the opportunity it presents to increase crop yields while reducing costs. As Madagascan agriculture moves toward sustainable and resilient food production, this breakthrough offers a profound opportunity to make a substantial impact. It is worth highlighting that farmers have eagerly embraced this crop,” said Arolalaina Ramboasalama, an agricultural technician at the Ministry of Agriculture and an extension officer at District Ambohidratrimo, Madagascar.
The local population has embraced perennial rice not only for its impressive qualities but also for its delightful taste. Individuals within the community have expressed their admiration for the flavor of this Chinese rice, describing it as "excellent."
By blending traditional wisdom with contemporary methods and international collaborations, Madagascar is forging a path toward a more resilient and prosperous agricultural future. Working in tandem with the BGI Group, the country is safeguarding its diverse crops and unique ecosystems, which are crucial not only for its people but also for the world, a mission that aligns with the BGI Group's motto, "Omics for all."