Deep Farm Madagascar: A Rain of Hope for the Harvests
As farmers in Madagascar’s central highlands faced persistent drought, a long-awaited hope finally arrived in the form of much-needed rainfall. Despite a difficult start to the season, marked by limited access to water, the recent rains on January 21 and 22 have turned the tide, breathing new life into crops.
A Threatened Agricultural Season, But Not a Lost One
For months, farmers had to rely on patience and ingenuity. Many had already sown their seeds, counting on the arrival of the rains, but the prolonged drought put their crops at risk. In some areas, the mortality rate of young plants had reached 45 to 50%, and rice fields were beginning to dry out again after the weak rainfall brought by Cyclone Dikeledi.
Faced with this uncertainty, farmers adopted different strategies to protect their harvests:
✅ Some planted before December 25, while others chose to wait.
✅ Some moved their crops to areas with better water availability.
✅ Others sowed fewer seeds, saving part of their stock for a later production.
The Long-Awaited Rain: A New Beginning
After weeks of waiting, the rainfall on January 21 and 22 became a turning point. These abundant showers replenished the dry soil and revived agricultural activity. Thanks to this vital water supply, farmers were able to resume transplanting the remaining viable seedlings and look ahead to the season with renewed optimism.
During the meeting held on January 23, a unanimous decision was made: to continue the rice farming campaign and take full advantage of this opportunity to salvage the crops. This collective effort highlights the resilience and determination of farmers, who refuse to give up in the face of climate challenges.
A Promising Future Through Adaptation
This situation once again showcases the strength of agricultural communities in overcoming nature’s uncertainties. Thanks to their ability to adapt—and the hope brought by these lifesaving rains—the farming season can continue on a more optimistic note.
