Farming context: Madagascar
Madagascar fertilizer estimates use the selected crop, field, soil and product assumptions from the MG agriculture dataset. Check local conditions before applying national averages.
| Agriculture share of GDP | ~24% |
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| Arable land | 3,500,000 ha |
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| Irrigated share | ~15% |
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| Main food crops | rice, cassava, maize, sweet potato, banana |
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| Main export crops | vanilla, clove, cocoa, coffee arabica, lychee |
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Country context from the AfroTools agriculture dataset - planning reference, not agronomic advice. Confirm with local extension services.
Fertilizer Use in Madagascar
Madagascar is the world's fourth-largest island and one of Africa's most biodiverse countries, with agriculture employing about 80% of the population. Rice is the dominant crop and cultural staple, with Madagascar being one of the few African countries where rice consumption per capita exceeds 100 kg annually. Other important crops include cassava, vanilla (Madagascar is the world's largest producer), cloves, cocoa, coffee, and lychees. Despite the importance of agriculture, fertilizer consumption is very low at approximately 20,000 to 30,000 tonnes annually, representing one of the lowest application rates per hectare in the world. All mineral fertilizer is imported through the main port of Toamasina (Tamatave). Soil fertility depletion from continuous rice cultivation and hillside slash-and-burn farming (tavy) is a critical environmental and agricultural challenge.
Common Fertilizer Types
NPK 11-22-16 is the most commonly recommended compound fertilizer for rice in Madagascar, designed to address the phosphorus-deficient lateritic soils. Urea (46-0-0) is the primary nitrogen top-dressing for rice and vegetables. DAP is used as an alternative basal fertilizer for rice and other crops. Dolomite is recommended for the acidic soils prevalent across much of the island, though its use remains limited. For vanilla, the country's most valuable export crop, organic practices predominate, with composted plant material and shade management being the primary fertility strategies. NPK formulations for vegetable production around the major cities (Antananarivo, Antsirabe, Fianarantsoa) are available through agro-dealers. The System of Rice Intensification (SRI), developed in Madagascar, emphasizes organic soil management alongside modest mineral fertilizer use.
Subsidy Programs & Access
Madagascar has operated various fertilizer subsidy programs through the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries, though their scope and consistency have been affected by political instability. The most recent programs have provided subsidized fertilizer at 20 to 40% below market prices through approved input dealers. The National Rice Platform (PNR) coordinates rice sector support, including fertilizer access for rice farmers. Distribution is organized through regional agriculture directorates (DRDA) and district-level agriculture services (CIRDR). Farmer cooperatives and associations serve as the primary access points for subsidized inputs. International partners including the World Bank, JICA (Japan), IFAD, and FAO have supported input access programs. The e-voucher system has been piloted in selected regions to improve targeting. Access remains a major challenge in remote rural areas where road infrastructure is poor, particularly during the rainy season when many roads become impassable, increasing delivered fertilizer costs by 50 to 100% above Antananarivo prices.