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Since its introduction in the 1980s, the melon (Cucumis melo) has been the cash crop of choice for many farmers in Sakay Region in the western part of the central highland of Madagascar. However, unlike other farmers in other parts of Madagascar, farmers in Marohazo village in Sakay had not been keeping pace with new developments in melon production, consequently losing their market share to those farmers growing improved melon varieties that are bigger and sweeter.
soil preparation
Concerned about dwindling prospects of melon farming in the region, and the associated negative impact on the farmers’ livelihoods, PROTA, in May 2006 initiated a project to empower small scale farmers in Sakay region to produce and market improved melons. The project was implemented by Centre Technique Horticole d’Antananarivo (CTHA), an organization which had experience in melon production.
To introduce and produce high quality melons, the project implementers needed comprehensive information on the crop – from new varieties available, their agronomy, pests and diseases to tastes and nutritional contents. And the implementers needed not to look any further. The PROTA 2: Vegetables handbook had all the information they needed on the melon.
irrigation system
“Information from the PROTA 2: Vegetables handbook enabled us to identify melon varieties in Africa and choose three varieties suitable for Sakay. The handbook also provided information about melon quality particularly on sugar levels and quality. We used the information to develop training materials including technical guidelines for melon cultivation”, states Rabemananjara Vero, CTHA Executive Director. “We also used the information from the handbook to produce various communication materials such as posters and flyers for public education and awareness on melon production and marketing”.
By the end of the two year project in July 2008, 46 farmers had been trained on modern techniques of melon production and marketing. They were drawn from four local associations - Fenitra, Miatrika, Tsiro and Tsimbina. In addition to the training, they were also provided with essential tools, fertilizers and improved melon seeds. The improved seeds for three varieties were imported and underwent farmer field trials.
fruiting of the melon plant
The initiative has paid off. Farmers who were on the brink of abandoning melon farming are back in business, reclaiming more than their original market share with more and higher quality produce. Vero reports that producitivity is so high that farmers are now producing fruits of upto 5 kg. The returns are ven better. Farmers are now earning as much as US$ 300 per acre up from US$ 155.
Impressed by the performance of the melons and the realized returns, farmers from five other neighbouring villages – Fokontany, Mahasolo, Atsahatanteraka, Tsarafiraisana and Mahatsinjo – are fast taking up melon farming learning from the trained farmers on improved production techniques. Others are using technical guidelines that were prepared by the project.
Melon plants in the farm
Melon farming has become so popular in Sakay Region that the number of farmers shot up from 46 at the beginning of the project to about 200 in 2010. The benefits have not been restricted to the farmers, consumers and traders only. Small administrative divisions have witnessed increases in cess collection, courtesy of the improved production and marketing of melons.
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Impact Stories 
