Joseph
Joseph stated farming in 1975, having joined the cooperative since 2009.
Where I visited first time in Madagascar is his plantation. In his forest like farm, I found that the trees were pruned to get enough sunshine and that the undergrows were neatly cut. I was really impressed by very well maintained plantation.
Joseph’s family has engaged in agriculture for ages. He has three daughters and a son. Joseph said he hadn’t wanted his son to do farming as farmers are economically poor. However, Joseph has changed his mind after he joined the cooperative.
Joseph has earned more income since joining the cooperative anabling him to take care of his families’ health and education much more. Joseph said proudly that he bought a new car this year which enabled him to transport his crops much easier. “I heard that farmers are rich in Europe and America. I want to be like them”, he also told me so.
What brought you to join the cooperative?
“Because the cooperative buy all crops I produce, therefore I don’t have to worry about buyers”
What is the merits to be a cooperative member?
“Well I can say that they guarantee sales; buy crops for higher prices, provide technical guidances; and support to enhance our productivity.”
And he said ” am very happy to have you from Japan in my plantation today, and more than happy if Japanese people can enjoy my vanilla.”
Famers’ voices like it encourages us to keep the business.
Polination is the one of the hardest works of vanilla cultivation. Vanilla cultivated in Madagascar is native to Mexico. Because there is no pollinators in Madagascar, farmers have to pollinate one by one. Moreover, a flower bloom in only one day, therefore it is necessary to look around the plantation every day in November and December when flowering, requiring a lot of works. Joseph earnestly explained how to pollinate.
Joseph suddenly climbed a tree getting rambutans for us during the field visit. He also harvested a pineapple, cutting it on a banana leaf. Fresh fruits were very delicious indeed!