Madagascar has embarked on a transformative journey to revolutionize its agricultural sector through a groundbreaking $90 million partnership with Israeli agritech firm LR Group Ltd. Signed on May 25, 2025, in Tel Aviv, the agreement marks a significant stride toward advancing food sovereignty and sustainable development in the island nation.
The project will see the development of a large-scale smart farming hub covering 10,000 hectares across four strategic regions: Analamanga, Alaotra-Mangoro, Bongolava, and Vakinankaratra. These areas are key to the country’s agricultural landscape and have been selected for their potential to significantly contribute to national food production.
The initiative will focus on the cultivation of staple crops including rice, maize, and soybeans, using state-of-the-art agricultural technologies. Innovations such as solar-powered irrigation systems, high-yield hybrid seeds, and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven crop monitoring tools will be deployed to maximize productivity and ensure environmental sustainability. These technologies are expected to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and enhance the resilience of the country’s food systems.
A cornerstone of the project is its emphasis on empowering smallholder farmers. Over 10,000 farmers are expected to benefit from comprehensive training programs and ongoing technical support. These efforts aim to not only improve agricultural practices but also uplift rural communities economically by increasing productivity and profitability.
The anticipated outcomes of the project are substantial. Crop yields are projected to rise by up to 50%, significantly improving food availability and national food security. Farmer incomes could increase by an estimated 30%, offering greater financial stability and improving living standards in rural areas. In addition, water-efficient technologies are expected to cut water use by approximately 35%, addressing one of the critical challenges of agriculture in Madagascar’s changing climate.
The initiative also aims to reduce Madagascar’s dependence on imported food. With a projected 15% decrease in food imports over the next five years, the country is positioning itself for greater self-reliance and a stronger agricultural economy.
Madagascar’s government views this smart agriculture project as more than just a regional development it is seen as a prototype for future initiatives. The goal is to replicate this model across the country, gradually building a modern, efficient, and resilient agricultural sector that can support long-term economic growth and food security.
By integrating cutting-edge technology with traditional farming communities, Madagascar is laying the foundation for a more prosperous and sustainable agricultural future.
