Japan, April 2025
Presentation of the Japanese Decoration to Hon. RAMILISON Janset Alin Harifidy, Former Minister of Agriculture and Livestock of Madagascar and Regional Consultant for CARD
Hon. RAMILISON Janset Alin Harifidy, former Minister of Agriculture and Livestock of Madagascar, was honored by the Government of Japan during an official ceremony held in Japan, where he was awarded the prestigious “Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star”. This high distinction recognizes his outstanding contributions to strengthening cooperation and friendship between Japan and Madagascar, particularly in the agricultural sector.
During his ministerial tenure from 2021 to 2024, Hon. RAMILISON was known for his strong commitment to modernizing Madagascar’s agricultural sector, promoting sustainable rural development, and enhancing national food security. Through his vision and reforms, he initiated structural policies that strengthened agricultural value chains, encouraged technological innovation, and improved the resilience of smallholder farmers in the face of climate and economic challenges.
Prior to that, he served for over a decade (2010–2021) as a Regional Consultant for the Coalition for African Rice Development (CARD). In this role, he provided valuable expertise to several Central African countries, supporting the formulation and implementation of national rice development strategies. His efforts contributed to building local capacities, improving agricultural yields, and advancing food security at the regional level.
During his visit, Hon. RAMILISON also held a meeting with the Vice President of JICA, during which they engaged in discussions on the prospects and challenges of rice sector development in Africa. The exchange underscored the vital importance of international cooperation and the sharing of expertise in addressing the key issues facing the rice value chain across the continent.
The awarding of this decoration reflects recognition not only of his technical and policy achievements but also of his personal commitment to international cooperation, sustainable agricultural development, and solidarity among nations.
