One of the most overlooked ingredients in farming exists right beneath farmers’ feet—healthy, fertile soils.

Source

One of the most overlooked ingredients in farming exists right beneath farmers’ feet—healthy, fertile soils.

Unfortunately, this vital ingredient is being degraded and eroded at unprecedented rates across the world. According to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 25 percent of the planet’s land is highly degraded and only 10 percent is improving.

All continents are experiencing land degradation, and the loss of soil quality is not only an issue for farmers, but for all of us.

Deforestation, for example, is causing China's Loess Plateau to erode rapidly. Overgrazing of grassland in the Western United States is reducing soil depth and creating desertification. In India, overcutting trees and crops is reducing soil fertility and threatening wild medicinal plants. And farmland ploughed for commercial agriculture around the world exposes topsoil and increases erosion. In fact, Brazil loses 55 million tons of topsoil every year because of soybean production.

But agriculture doesn’t have to degrade soils—it is possible for food production to enrich the Earth, restore nutrients, conserve water, and prevent further erosion.

Climate Smart Agriculture - Scoping Study for Mauritius

The Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mauritius (FANRPAN Node Hosting Institution) is organizing, in collaboration with the Food Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) a half-day validation workshop on Climate Smart Agriculture Policy Scoping Study in Mauritius on Thursday 26 June 2014 at 9.00 am at the R Burrenchobay Lecture Theatre, University of Mauritius. This workshop aims to bring stakeholders together from diverse backgrounds including Scientists, National Experts, Policy Makers, Academia, Representatives from vulnerable communities, Private Sector Representatives and NGOs to discuss options and validate a Climate Smart Agriculture Policy Scoping Study.

Contact Person

Mr Shane Hurdowar

FAO - Country Programne Framework for Mauritius 2014-2017

The Country Programming Framework (CPF) for Mauritius for the period 2014-2019 which establishes the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) support to Mauritius in agri-business development and agro value chain, promotion of sustainable agriculture for food security, and sustainable fisheries, amongst others, was signed on 17 June 2014 in Port Louis.

The signatories were the Minister of Agro Industry and Food Security, Attorney General, Mr Satya Veyash Faugoo, and the FAO representative accredited to the Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles, Mr Patrice Talla Takoukam.

The Framework sets out priorities for collaboration in the fields of agri-business development with focus on the strengthening of the enabling environment, as well as strategies, legal and management frameworks and institutional capacities for selected strategic value chains.

It also addresses the issue of sustainable agriculture for food security with focus on the strengthening of the enabling institutional environment related to land use management, early warning system for animal and plant diseases and pests, and agricultural statistics for improved evidence based decision making.

The Framework also deals with sustainable fisheries with focus on improving the enabling environment, policies and legal framework and institutional capacities for the promotion of sustainable aquaculture and off-lagoon fisheries.

In his address, Minister Faugoo underlined that Mauritius has indicated the most crucial areas of potential FAO’s assistance through setting clear priorities and areas of cooperation. The CPF, he recalled, addresses issues related to food and nutrition security, agricultural productivity and sustainable natural resource management, resilience of livelihoods to threats.

FAO is also providing support to Government for the conduct of the Census of Agriculture, stated the Minister, adding that the last census on agriculture was carried out in 1940. The aim of carrying out such a census is to strengthen the capacity of Government to develop a sustainable Food and Agriculture Statistics System so that planning and policy decision-making are based on timely and reliable data. The project which will kick off in July this year, will be executed jointly by Statistics Mauritius and the Ministry of Agro Industry and Food Security.

For his part, Mr Takoukam said that the collaboration between FAO and Mauritius is geared towards ensuring food security. He also stressed that the Government of Mauritius should be in the driving seat regarding the implementation of the priorities listed out in the CPF. FAO is here to provide technical assistance and to some extent, funding to Mauritius, he added. 

The CPF can also be used as a fund raising document since the Government of Mauritius can use it when seeking the collaboration of and funding from other international institutions for the implementation of these priorities, said Mr Takoukam. 

Source: GIS, Mauritius, 2014

“As you are all aware, we have a very privileged relationship with FAO. Infact, Mauritius is a member of the FAO since 1968, the year that Mauritus acceded to independence and has over the years benefited from several technical assistance programmes to implement several projects in the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors”, a fait remarquer le ministre de l’Agro-industrie à cette occasion. Il a aussi déclaré que la FAO a accordé une assistance technique à Maurice pour effectuer un recensement dans le secteur de l’agriculture. “In fact, the last census of agriculture dates back to 1940 that is more than 70 years. The census has already been planned with the assistance of FAO in 2012 and the census will now be carried out as from July 2014 by Statistics of Mauritius”, a-t-il déclaré. Source Le Matinal, 2014.

Agricultural Transformation - The Case for Mauritius

A workshop to validate the draft Mauritius Country Case Study Report entitled “Rethinking Africa’s Agricultural and Rural  Transformation  in  the  Global  Context:  Challenges,  Opportunities  and  Strategic  Policy  Options - The  Case of Mauritius”, was held in 17 June 2014.  The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa had commissioned the Study  in five countries, namely, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Botswana and Mauritius, with a view to supporting the African Union, its institutions and Member States. 

The Report highlights the successful transformation of Mauritius from a low income per capita agro-based economy dominated by sugar to an upper middle income country due to prudent fiscal policies, macro-economic reforms and management and export diversification. 

The Study has also revealed that Mauritius has satisfied the five conditions underpinning the successful agricultural transformation, namely macro-economic and political stability, access to lucrative markets, transfer of knowledge, strongly protected ownership rights and employment creation and generation of income in the non-farm sectors.

Nou Banne Espece en Danger - Our Endemic Animals and Plants are in Danger

Source of Photo: BlueFish emarketing.com, 16 June 2014.

Vallee d'Osterlog Endemic Garden - Inauguration

Courtesy BeachComber Magazine, May 2014

The Vallée d’Osterlog Endemic Garden located at Le Val, spanning 275 hectares of land and sanctuary of rich biodiversity with several species of endemic fauna and flora, was inaugurated on the 11 June 2014 by the Minister of Agro-Industry and Food Security and Attorney General, Mr Satya Veyash Faugoo.

On that occasion, a Visitor’s Centre was inaugurated, and a Visitor’s Guide and a poster launched. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Dr Arvin Boolell and the Minister of Civil Service and Administrative Reforms, Mr Sutyadeo Moutia, were also present.

In his inaugural address, Minister Faugoo said that the Vallée d’Osterlog Endemic Garden is the first of its kind created and possibly the last as well since it is a unique place with many indigenous flora and fauna which cannot be found elsewhere. Already some 67 endemic plants have been identified and there are still more being discovered, he stated, adding that the vast biodiversity of the Valley has to be preserved, in line with the Maurice Ile Durable vision.

For his part, Minister Boolell said that the Valley has great potential and also holds immense value added which can be created. ‘It is important to give the site the visibility it deserves and hence enable one and all to appreciate the Valley’s flora and fauna which is unique in the world’, said Dr Boolell. There are a lot of international treaties and conventions which Mauritius has ratified which are in line with the protection of the environment as well as with the country’s resolve towards achieving sustainable development, he further stressed.

In his speech, Minister Moutia qualified the Valley as a jewel, and also highlighted the importance of protecting the environment and keeping the Valley as natural as possible.

Vallée D’Osterlog
The native forests which originally covered most of Mauritius have almost completely disappeared except for a few inaccessible areas which have been spared the onslaught of deforestation. These remaining forests still hold a great diversity of plant species of great conservation value.

UoM Employability Forum 2014 - June 2014

 The University of Mauritius and the Students' Union 2013/14 have the pleasure to invite the Final year students and fresh graduates to the First Edition of the UOM EMPLOYABILITY FORUM 2014.

The purpose of this forum is to create an ideal platform for both graduates and employers to meet up where students have be made aware of the expectations of the society and employers from UOM Fresh Graduates, in the competitive developing job market.

The forum consists of a 3 days workshop, from 11th to 13th of June at the UOM Auditorium. The workshops will be hosted by well known company leaders, managers, and resource person, among which are;
- Professional CV Writing
- Interview Skills Development
- Cooperate Grooming
- Communication and Conversation Skills
- Effective Presentation Skills
- Customer Care
- Soft Skills
- Leadership and Teamwork
- Writing Skills (Business English and Business French) 

More info Click Here 

World Ocean Day 2014

2014 Theme: Together, we have the power to protect the oceans

“We have to ensure that oceans continue to meet our needs without compromising those of future generations. They regulate the planet’s climate and are a significant source of nutrition. Their surface provides essential passage for global trade, while their depths hold current and future solutions to humanity’s energy needs.”

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

Message from the  President  of the agricultural society

Keshwar Lobin (In black polo shirt)

We took an action for protecting our ocean leading to a healthier planet and encouraging sustainable living. "

The Mauritius Oceanography institute with the help of Agricultural Society  of the University of Mauritius, and the students from the Faculty of Agriculture participated for the beach clean-up and planting of native coastal plants at the public beach of Rivière des Galets (Ilot Sancho) on the 6th June 2014 as an activity to mark the World Ocean Day.

COI/CIRAD- Plateform PReRAD.

La Commission de l’Océan Indien (COI) a signé un protocole d’accord avec le Centre de Coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement (CIRAD), basé à La Réunion qui permettra le renforcement de la recherche dans l’Océan Indien en creant une plateforme regionale de recherche agronomique pour le development (PReRAD). Read more

POSTER COMPETITION - CELEBRATIONS OF THE 100 YEARS OF THE FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE, UNIVERSITY OF MAURITIUS

Dear Valued Alumni, Students and Staff of the Faculty of Agriculture,

In the context of the celebrations of the 100 years of our Faculty, a poster competition is being organised on the Theme : “Celebrating achievements and shaping the future of the Faculty of Agriculture” .

The poster competition for above is now open to our Alumni and current students and staff of the Faculty of Agriculture.

You are ALL invited to participate and we are sure you will manage to meet this challenge

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Check the links below for the guidelines to submit your POSTER.

Click the Login as a guest button at the following links to get access.

http://tinyurl.com/poster100FoA
or
http://lcms.uom.ac.mu/lms/course/view.php?id=632

Kindly disseminate to all of your friends who have studied at FoA.

We hope this competition will unleash your imagination and creativity.

Best of Luck!!!!!!!!

Réseau des Etablissements Agricoles Professionnels Afrique Australe - Océan Indien

Le Réseau des Etablissements d’Enseignement Agricole Professionnel de la Région Afrique Australe et Indien (REAP AAOI) a pour objectif de développer la coopération entre les établissements de la région sur des problématiques d’intérêt mutuel. La signature d’un accord cadre de coopération régionale portera essentiellement sur les échanges d’expertise, la mobilité des apprenants et des personnels des établissements membres et le partage des ressources, pratiques et outils pédagogiques.

Les membres sont les 15 membres originaires de 7 pays et iles : les trois lycées agricoles de la Réunion (Cluny Ste Suzanne, Saint Paul et Saint Joseph), la fédération des maisons familiales de la Réunion (5 établissements), trois collèges agricoles Sud Africains (Elsenburg, Cedara et Owen Sithole) , le lycée agricole de Mayotte, le centre de formation horticole national de l’Union des Comores , le centre de formation agricole et horticole des Seychelles, quatre représentants de centres de formation agricole de Madagascar (CFPAR d’Itasy, réseau EASTA, réseau collèges agricoles FIFATA FERT CNEAP, Union des maisons familiales) la faculté d’agriculture de l’Université de Maurice. Mons. Navindra Boodia est notre representant dans ce reseau. Read more here

New Schemes to boost food production in Mauritius

The non-sugar sector must promote and reach excellence in operation and these 20 schemes have been put in place by the Government to help planters and breeders achieve this goal. Many of the existing schemes have been reviewed to make them more farmer friendly and in many cases the loan component have been replaced by grants.

This statement was made yesterday by the Minister of Agro-Industry and Food Security and Attorney-General, Mr S. Faugoo, GOSK, during the launching of new schemes to boost food production at the Octave Wiehé Auditorium, Réduit.

Minister Faugoo recalled that some 14 schemes were put in place in the food crop and livestock sectors and the results obtained so far have been promising. He pointed out that we are today almost self-sufficient in food crop production such as potato, onion and garlic while milk and meat production have increased over the last few years.

Four new schemes have been introduced in the second Food Security Strategic Plan 2013-2015, namely the Promotion of Bee Keeping Scheme, the FORIP Scheme for the Non-Sugar Sector, the Family Farming Micro Project Schemes (Crop and Livestock sectors). These schemes aim at re-launching the apiculture sector and encourage families/households to develop and sustain production of vegetables, fruits, horticultural products and animal production with minimal processing.

A Food Security Fund was set up in 2008 whereby several schemes and projects were implemented to optimise food and livestock production. Two Food Strategic Plans were prepared in 2008 and 2013 respectively to provide strategic directions to stakeholders in the non-sugar sector to enhance production and quality of selected agricultural products such as potatoes, onions, garlic and also to revitalise the livestock sector.

 Source GiS

Le gouvernement ne veut pas d’assistanat « où il vous aide une fois après le passage d’une catastrophe naturelle, mais veut faire de vous des entrepreneurs agricoles à part entière en mettant à votre disposition des plans d’aide et de financement ». Déclaration hier du ministre de l’Agro-industrie, Satish Faugoo, aux agriculteurs, planteurs et éleveurs, réunis à Réduit, à l’occasion du lancement de vingt plans, tous comportant des subventions.

Fulbright Junior Staff Development -Call for Applications

Call for Applications for the 2015-2016 Fulbright Junior Staff Development Program
Deadline Extended to July 4, 2014

The Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Mauritius invites applications for the Fulbright Junior Staff Development (JSD) Program for the 2015/2016 academic year.
Grantees selected for degree study will be funded for a maximum of 2 years. All awards are con-tingent upon approval by the J. William Fulbright Scholarship Board (FSB), availability of funds, and successful academic placement.
Read more

Call for Applications for the 2015-2016 Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
DEADLINE EXTENDED TO JULY 4, 2014

The United States Embassy in Mauritius invites applications for the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow-ship Program. This one-year Fellowship program is offered to mid-career professionals who have a proven track record of leadership, a public service commitment, and the capacity to take full ad-vantage of a self-defined program of independent non-degree study at a leading U.S. university. The program awards a certificate from the U.S. Government; it is not designed to deliver an advanced degree.

The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program brings accomplished professionals from designated countries around the world to the United States at a midpoint in their careers for a year of gradu-ate level academic course work and professional development activities. Fellowships are granted competitively to professional candidates with a commitment to public service in either the public or private sector.

Read More

Source: IRC Newsletter, USA Embassy June 2014