Highlights from the Apiculture Workshop at the Faculty of Agriculture

 

The Agricultural Society of the University of Mauritius, in collaboration with the Faculty of Agriculture and the student representative of the Faculty, Mr. Kushkar Gukhool, organized an apiculture workshop that explored the world of bees and their essential role in agriculture, biodiversity, and sustainable development. The workshop was mainly attended by undergraduate students of the Faculty. 

Mr K.Gukhool

The workshop featured two key senior research scientists from the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security: Mrs. Malini Malleck and Mrs. Nausheen Patel, both from the Entomology Division. They delivered an engaging presentation about bees and highlighted the importance of pollination in honey production.

 

 

Click here for Mrs Malleck presentation. 

Click here for Mrs Patel Presentation

Additionally, experienced apiculturist Mr. Michael Lafrance attended the workshop to provide a live demonstration on how to extract honey. He shared valuable practices for successful honey production with attendees.

Click here for the interactive session with Mr Lafrance.

Conclusion: Overall, it was a highly informative workshop that allowed students to interact with experts and deepen their understanding of honey production.

Bees and Beekeeping: Key Concepts and Challenges

This post summarises the main themes and important facts discussed concerning bees and beekeeping. Mrs M. Alleck Principal Scientific Officer, covers a broad range of topics, from the basic biology of bees to the challenges faced by beekeepers, particularly focusing on the Mauritian context where three bee races exist.

1. Introduction to Bees and Beekeeping:

• Nature of Bees: Bees are identified as insects and, importantly, social insects that have existed for millions of years. Human beekeeping is a relatively recent practice, only a few hundred thousand years old.
• Taxonomy and Importance: Bees belong to the order Hymenoptera, with Apis being the main species. They are crucial for agriculture as primary pollinators of fruits and vegetables and are producers of honey and beeswax.
• Colony Size: A healthy bee colony can house a significant number of individuals, ranging from 40,000 to 60,000.
• Beekeeping Definition and Importance: Beekeeping is defined as the practice of maintaining and caring for bee colonies primarily for honey production, pollination, and beeswax. Its importance lies in preserving biodiversity, food production, and ensuring food security.

2. Bee Races in Mauritius:

• Three main races are present in Mauritius:
• African Bee: Described as darker and more aggressive but less productive.
• Italian Bee: Characterized as more yellow, docile, and more productive.
• Hybrid Bees: The most common type now, resulting from crosses between the African and Italian races, exhibiting a mixture of their traits.

3. Biology of Honeybees:

• Anatomy: Honeybees have three body parts: head, thorax, and abdomen.
• Castes: A hive contains three categories of bees:
• Queen Bee: The most important female, responsible for laying eggs (up to 2,000 per day) and releasing pheromones to maintain hive order. Lives for about 5 years.
• Drones: Male bees whose primary role is to mate with the queen. They die after mating. Develop from unfertilized eggs.
• Worker Bees: Female bees (from fertilized eggs but not fed royal jelly exclusively) that perform all the work in the hive, including cleaning, feeding larvae, building wax combs, collecting nectar and pollen, defending the colony (they have a stinger), and maintaining hive temperature. Their lifespan is shorter, around 40 days. During their first three weeks, they typically stay within the hive.
• Life Cycle: Bees undergo four developmental stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
• Eggs (small, rice-shaped, cream-colored) are laid singly in cells.
• Larvae (C-shaped, cream-colored) hatch after 2-3 days and are fed by worker bees.
• Pupae develop after the cells are sealed by worker bees.
• Adults emerge from the cells.
• Development time varies: queen bees develop fastest, followed by worker bees, with drones taking the longest. Queen bee cells are larger, worker bee cells are smaller, and drone cells are wider.

4. Bee Foraging and Food Sources:

• Worker bees forage for food from flowering plants, primarily those with nectar (meliferous plants).
• Their main food sources are:
• Nectar: A source of sugar for energy, which is chemically processed into honey. Nectar contains a high percentage of water (up to 75%), which is reduced in honey (70-80% moisture). Honey is produced by bees for their own consumption and storage.
• Pollen: A source of protein; a colony can collect up to 26 kg per year.
• Water: Essential for various hive functions; a colony can consume up to one liter per day.

5. Bee Communication:

• Bees are highly specialized social insects with sophisticated communication methods crucial for survival, foraging, and hive maintenance.
• Two main forms of communication are:
• Dance and Vibration: Used primarily to communicate the distance, direction, elevation, odor, and location of food sources.
• Pheromones: Chemical signals produced mainly by the queen for various purposes, including colony defense, identification of their own hive, aggregation, and location of food.

6. Sources of Bees for Beekeeping:

• Swarms: Swarms occur when a colony becomes overcrowded, and a group of bees leaves with an old queen. Collecting swarms offers readily available bees but carries the risk of unknown origin and potential pests or diseases.
• Established Beekeepers: Purchasing bees from reputable beekeepers is a safer option.
• Nucleus: A small hive consisting of 4-5 frames with a queen, food, and honey, which can be transferred to a new hive to build up a full colony.

7. Structure of a Normal Beehive:

• Bottom Board: The base of the hive, providing an entrance for bees.
• Brood Chamber: The lower section where the queen lays eggs and brood develops. Contains frames for the queen to lay in.
• Queen Excluder: A mesh with openings small enough to prevent the larger queen from moving upwards into the super but allowing worker bees to pass.
• Super: The upper compartment where worker bees store nectar and convert it into honey. It is crucial to keep the queen out of the super for efficient honey harvesting.
• Inner Cover: Sits on top of the super.
• Outer Cover: Usually made of metal to protect the hive from rain and harsh weather.

8. Constraints to Beekeeping:

• Environmental Factors: Climate change, loss of habitats due to urbanization and deforestation, and seasonal variations.
• Pest and Diseases: The Varroa mite is identified as the main worldwide pest, along with other pathogens.
• Loss of Genetic Diversity: Due to inbreeding.
• Pesticides and Agrochemicals: A significant threat to bee health.

9. Impact of Pesticides on Bees:

• Pesticides are toxic chemicals, not only to pests but also to bees. Certain categories, like neonicotinoids and chlorpyrifos (many now not recommended), are particularly toxic.
• Even if not lethal, pesticides can negatively impact bee behavior, including reduced foraging activity, movement and memory problems, and weakening of the immune system, making them more susceptible to pests and diseases.
• Neonicotinoids: Systemic pesticides absorbed by plants, affecting bees visiting their flowers. Can lead to colony collapse and disorientation. Imidacloprid is mentioned as an example of a neonicotinoid no longer recommended for agricultural use.
• Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD): A phenomenon where bees abruptly abandon the hive, leaving the queen behind. The exact causes are still being studied, but factors like diseases, habitat loss, and pesticides are believed to play a role. While not as prevalent in Mauritius, it is a concern in many other countries.
• Impact on Pollination: Pesticide exposure reduces bees' effectiveness as pollinators, leading to decreased food production, food insecurity, and economic losses for farmers, including those who rely on beekeepers for pollination services.

10. Mitigating Pesticide Exposure:

• Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Promoted by the Ministry of Agro Industry, emphasizing a combination of less toxic methods to control pests and minimizing pesticide use.
• Timing of Application: Avoiding spraying pesticides in the morning when bees are most active is recommended.
• Bee-Friendly Pesticides: Using less toxic biopesticides.
• Buffer Zones: Creating unsprayed areas around beehives to reduce exposure.

11. Pest and Diseases in Detail:

• Varroa Mite (Varroa destructor): A reddish-brown external mite that attaches to adult and immature bees, sucking their blood. Infestation symptoms include weakened bees, deformed wings (due to virus transmission), reduced lifespan, spread of diseases, and potential colony collapse. Introduced to Mauritius in 2014, now under control through management practices.
• Non-chemical management is preferred to avoid resistance and honey contamination. Recommended practices include integrated pest management, resistant stock, soft chemical treatments (as a last resort), mechanical methods (e.g., hive designs that facilitate mite drop onto sticky boards).
• Small Hive Beetle: A small, black beetle whose larval stage is most destructive, feeding on honey, brood, and wax. Control involves specific traps and maintaining strong colonies.
• Wax Moth: The larvae cause damage by feeding on honeycombs, pollen, and even wooden hive parts. Strong colonies are less affected. Control includes maintaining strong colonies and exposing infested equipment to sunlight or freezing.
• Chalkbrood Disease: A fungal disease that attacks larvae, causing them to become hard and chalk-like (symptoms include mummified larvae at the hive entrance). While not typically fatal to the colony, it can weaken it and reduce productivity. Management involves maintaining strong colonies, replacing poorly performing queens with more hygienic ones, and avoiding the use of equipment or pollen from infested hives.
• Deformed Wing Virus: A virus transmitted by the Varroa mite, causing wings to develop improperly, affecting bees' ability to fly, forage, and potentially leading to colony collapse.

12. Managing Infested Colonies:

• Early Monitoring and Detection: Regular inspection of colonies (weekly or fortnightly) for signs of pests and diseases. Using sticky boards to monitor Varroa mite levels.
• Control Measures: Prioritizing soft chemical or non-chemical treatments over harsh chemicals (used only as a last resort). For Varroa mites, time-based pesticides and traps can be used. For diseases, cleaning infected colonies, removing heavily infected ones, and limiting the movement of bees and equipment from infected to healthy hives are crucial.

Conclusion:

The lecture provided  a comprehensive overview of bee biology, beekeeping practices, and the significant challenges facing bee populations, particularly the impact of pesticides and the threat of pests and diseases. The information highlights the importance of bees as pollinators and the need for sustainable beekeeping practices and responsible pesticide management to protect these vital insects. 

Insights into Honey Production and Beekeeping by an experienced Apriarist, Mr M.Lafrance

Mr M.Lafrance

Mr M. Lafrance, a beekeeper with over 23 years of experience, offered a glimpse into this sweet world, particularly in the context of Mauritius and Rodrigues.

The Sweet Yield: How Much Honey Can a Hive Produce?

One of the first questions many have is about the productivity of a beehive. According to our expert, the amount of honey produced per hive can vary considerably, ranging from 10 to 20 kg depending on the region. In some favourable areas, yields can even reach 30 to 40 kg. However, it's crucial to note that some regions might not produce any honey at all, highlighting the importance of location for aspiring beekeepers.

It's also important to understand the seasonal nature of honey production. The main season for honey production in the speaker's region starts around the end of February or March and can extend until May, or even June in some areas. Interestingly, some beekeepers can achieve two harvests per year, especially in coastal regions with favourable environments, with exceptions of up to three harvests.

 

The Shadow of Fake Honey: A Global Concern

The conversation also touched upon a critical issue in the honey industry: the prevalence of adulterated or "fake" honey. This is a significant concern, with even sophisticated techniques in Europe and Australia struggling to detect these fraudulent products. In Mauritius and Rodrigues, there are supermarkets where the honey sold might not always meet quality standards.

He emphasizes its best to buy directly from the beekeepers hives. In Rodrigues, some honeys are mixed, resulting in a product that isn't considered "good" honey, unlike the pure honey obtained directly from the apiaries.

The Mystery of Crystallization: A Sign of Quality?

Many consumers are puzzled when their honey turns solid. Our expert clarified that crystallization is a normal phenomenon and can actually be an indicator of good quality honey. To return crystallized honey to its liquid state, gently warming it beside a heat source that does not exceed 30-34 degrees Celsius is recommended. While honey that doesn't crystallize isn't necessarily bad, crystallization can be a positive sign. It's important to distinguish this natural process from added sugars, as sugars generally do not crystallize in the same way as honey.

Beekeeping in Residential Areas: A Matter of Experience and Caution

The idea of keeping bees in your backyard might seem appealing, but it requires careful consideration. The speaker advised that having a colony in a residential area necessitates significant experience due to the potentially aggressive nature of bees if not handled properly. While in Europe, it's common to find hives in residential zones, in Mauritius, the ministry often suggests that apiaries be located at least 500 meters away from residential areas. However, experienced individuals can successfully manage hives in smaller spaces. For those interested in starting, contacting the apiculture section for training and connecting with experienced beekeepers is highly recommended.

He touched on the traditional method of using smoke to manage bees. The smoke disrupts the pheromone of the queen, which is crucial for the hive's organization. This temporary disruption allows beekeepers to perform manipulations safely, as the bees are preoccupied with clearing the smoke and re-establishing the queen's pheromone.

 In conclusion, this interactive session provided valuable insights into the intricate world of beekeeping, from honey production yields and seasonality to the challenges of honey adulteration and the nuances of bee behaviour. 

An Introduction to Beekeeping for Agriculture Students

 

This post will give you a glimpse into the world of beekeeping, drawing from a recent lecture by Mrs. Patel, a scientific officer from the Entomology Division of the Ministry of Agro-industry and Food Security, Republic of Mauritius.

Why Bees Matter to Agriculture
As future leaders in agriculture, understanding the importance of bees is crucial. While honey production is a well-known aspect, Mrs. Patel highlighted that honeybees are very important pollinators, indeed, one of the most important pollinators known to date.

Pollination is essential for the production of many of the foods we eat and for the health of the ecosystem. It's the process where bees transfer pollen between plants, enabling them to produce seeds and fruit, ensuring the continuation of plant species.

A staggering around 75% of flowering plants and approximately one-third of our food crops rely on bees for pollination. Think about crops like cucurbits (pumpkins, cucumbers), cauliflower, blueberry, onion, lychee, beet, coconut, and even grapes (though perhaps less reliant) – their production significantly benefits from bee pollination. The impact of bee decline is real. When the Varroa mite was introduced in 2014, there was a reported drop in lychee production due to the decline in bee population in Mauritius. Without bees, the yield and diversity of crops would significantly decrease, leading to reduced food availability and increased prices. You can even see the difference: strawberries pollinated by bees are "nice ones," while those not pollinated are visibly different. Farmers sometimes even loan beehives during specific seasons to promote pollination in their fields to ensure both quality and quantity of food.

Beyond the Farm: Bees and the Ecosystem

The benefits of bees extend beyond cultivated crops. By pollinating wild plants, bees support habitats for many animals, including birds, mammals, and insects. These plants, in turn, contribute to soil health, water retention, and air quality, all vital for the survival of all living organisms. Protecting bees is therefore critical for a sustainable future.

Stepping into Beekeeping: Setting Up Your Apiary

Here are some key considerations for setting up the place where hives are kept.

Know your surroundings: It's crucial to understand the neighbourhood before starting. Bees forage and can become a nuisance in residential areas, potentially leading to problems with neighbours if bees attack pets, kids, or adults.

Hive Placement:

• Face the sun: Sunlight is the first cue for bees to start foraging in the morning. Cloudy or rainy days mean less foraging.
• Away from prevailing winds: This helps protect the hive.
• Water supply: Bees need a good source of water, with a colony needing up to one liter per day
• Consider an artificial source like a bucket of water or rainwater harvesting to ensure quality. Polluted water from rivers or ponds due to agriculture or pest control can be harmful to bees
• Partial shade: Hives don't need full sunlight, as excessive sun can increase the hive temperature, forcing bees to work to cool it down
• Hive stands: Place hives on stands to protect them from predators like ants, frogs, and toads, and to make working with the hives easier, preventing back strain
• Free entrance: Ensure the hive entrance is free from any obstructions like trees or walls to allow bees to fly in and out freely.
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  Hive Management: Keeping Your Bees Healthy
• Regular hive checks are essential to ensure your bees are thriving
• Look for: Good bee population: A strong colony can have 40,000 to 60,000 bees with visible movement.
• Presence of eggs, larvae, and capped brood: This indicates a healthy and active queen
• Food resources: Ensure sufficient honey and pollen stores
• Absence of pests and diseases: Watch out for Varroa mites and small hive beetles. A strong hive can usually manage these pests.
• Queen cells: The presence of multiple new queen cells in a hive with an existing queen can indicate problems like an ageing, sick, dead, or disappeared queen, or that the hive is preparing to swarm. Swarming is when a large group of bees leaves the colony due to overpopulation. Beekeepers may need to perform a splitting of the hive to prevent losing the bees

Safety First: Protecting Yourself from Bee Stings

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): It is very important to wear protective gear, including a full suit with a veil, gloves, and boots, ensuring all areas are tightly sealed with elastic bands to prevent bee entry.
• Colour of clothing: White or light colours are recommended as bees are less likely to see them as a threat compared to dark colours like black
• Avoid clothing made of woolly material, as bees can easily grip and sting through it
• Veil: Ensure the zipper of the veil is properly closed, as the neck area is very sensitive, and a sting there can cause severe swelling and breathing difficulties•
• Bee Smoker: This is a crucial tool. The smoke masks the alarm signals bees release when they sense an intruder, and it also triggers a reaction in the bees to fill up on honey reserves, making them less likely to sting. Use natural, non-toxic materials like dry leaves or coconut husks for the smoker, avoiding cardboard, plastic, or newspaper.
• Hive Tool and Bee Brush: These are essential for opening the hive and gently brushing bees off frame.
• Bee Sting First Aid: If stung, scrape the stinger off immediately using a fingernail or hive tool, avoiding squeezing it which releases more venom
• Wash the area with water and apply ice to reduce swelling
• Allergic Reactions: Be aware that some individuals are severely allergic to bee stings and can experience life-threatening reactions like difficulty swallowing or breathing, whole-body itching and swelling, and dizziness
• Individuals with known allergies should avoid beekeeping or always work with someone and have access to medical help

Harvesting honey requires knowing when it's ready

• Capped Combs: The best time to harvest is when around 90% of the honeycombs are capped with a layer of wax. This indicates a moisture content of less than 21% and mature honey. Unripe honey can be watery and may ferment.
• Extraction Methods:Crush and Strain: For a few frames, you can crush the combs and let the honey drip out. However, this destroys the comb, and the bees need to rebuild it, consuming energy. 
• Honey Extractors: For larger operations, manual or electric extractors spin the frames to remove honey without damaging the combs.
• Settling Tank: After extraction, the honey is collected in a settling tank for a few days to allow debris and wax to float to the top, which can then be removed to collect clean honey from the bottom
• Storage: Honey is hydrophobic and absorbs moisture, so it must be stored in airtight containers, preferably glass jars or food-grade plastic.
  

Quality Control: Ensuring the Goodness of Your Honey

• Maintaining honey quality is vital.
• Moisture Content: This is crucial for preventing fermentation
• Sugars: Good quality honey should have more than 60% of fructose and glucose and less than 5% of sucrose
• Feeding bees only sugar can increase sucrose levels and reduce honey quality. Similarly, bees collecting sugar from sugarcane fields produce a high-sucrose product that isn't true hone
• HMF (Hydroxymethylfurfural): This compound is almost undetectable in fresh honey but increases over time and with heat. Good quality honey should have less than 40 mg/kg of HMF
• It's generally best to consume or sell honey within one year to maintain optimal quality
• Pesticide Residues: Testing can identify any contamination.
• Beekeepers can have their honey tested for quality parameters at the Ministry's lab

Beyond Honey: The Treasures of the Hive

• Beekeeping offers more than just honey.
  Beeswax: Can be used for various products like lip balms, lotions, and soaps
  Propolis: A sticky, resinous substance collected by bees with antimicrobial properties, used in some medicines and to boost the immune system
  Royal Jelly: A nutrient-rich substance produced by bees, used in some high-value cosmetics for its purported anti-ageing properties
  It is very expensive due to the small quantities available in queen cells.

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Mauritius at the Crossroads: Can High-Tech Farming and Smallholder Farmers Coexist? A Debate by the Students of Faculty of Agriculture

The Agricultural Society of the University of Mauritius organized three debates, one of which was focused on the use of technology in agriculture. There were two groups participating: one in favour of technology and one against it. The participants were Year 1 students from the Agricultural Science and Technology cohort, while the opposing group consisted of Year 2 students from the same cohort. 

Members of the Agricultural Society with the Judges, Assoc. Prof. B.Ramasawmy Molaye and Mr. K. Boodhoo

The debate was judged by two academics from the Faculty of Agriculture and lasted for about two hours. Each group was allocated 30 minutes to prepare their arguments, followed by approximately 25 minutes to present their case. During this time, they also engaged in counter-arguments. The judges assessed each group's performance using a set of criteria which were known for both groups.

The Winners _ BSc (Hons) Agricultural Science and Technology Year 2

 Both groups presented very valid arguments throughout their debates, making it challenging for the judges to reach a final judgment. Ultimately, however, one group emerged as clearly more argumentative than the other and was declared the winner. 

It is important to note that this debate was not intended to prove or disprove any particular point; rather, it aimed to evaluate how effectively students could present their cases.

Overall, it was a very successful event that showcased student engagement and critical thinking skills. Congratulations are due to the Agricultural Society for their significant efforts in organising such a successful debate.

 Comparison of Arguments: Pro-Tech vs. Anti-Tech Agriculture in Mauritius

1. Core Issues Addressed

Pro-Tech Agriculture	Anti-Tech Agriculture
Focuses on modernization, productivity, and climate resilience.	Prioritizes protecting small farmers, economic equity, and cultural preservation.
Aims to reduce food imports ($1B annually) and boost self-sufficiency.	Warns of corporate monopolies and loss of food sovereignty.
Promotes job creation in tech-driven roles (e.g., engineers, drone operators).	Highlights job losses due to automation (e.g., India’s 1M displaced farmers).
Aligns with SDGs through sustainability (e.g., reduced water use, emissions).	Argues tech contradicts SDGs by worsening poverty (SDG 1) and inequality (SDG 10).

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2. Validity and Strength of Arguments

Pro-Tech Strengths	Anti-Tech Strengths
Data-Driven: Cites local successes (AgriService’s 20–30% reduced crop loss) and global models (Netherlands’ tech-driven farming).	Empirical Evidence: References India’s farmer displacement and Mauritius’ income data (farmers earn 17k–25k rupees/month).
Practical Solutions: Proposes scalable methods (vertical farming, precision agriculture) to address land scarcity and climate risks.	Ethical Focus: Highlights generational contributions of farmers and risks of neocolonial dependency on foreign tech.
Economic Growth: Links tech adoption to investment opportunities and reduced import dependency.	Social Justice: Exposes unaffordability (1.5–3M rupees/hectare cost) for 82% of farmers.

Pro-Tech Weaknesses	Anti-Tech Weaknesses
Underestimates implementation costs and risks of technological exclusion for small farmers.	Relies on emotional appeals (e.g., “death sentence for smallholders”) without concrete alternatives beyond preserving the status quo.
Overlooks short-term disruptions (e.g., job losses in traditional roles).	Lacks acknowledgment of global trends (e.g., tech’s role in climate adaptation).

 

Arguments in Favour of High-Tech Agriculture in Mauritius

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1. Addressing Food Insecurity and Import Dependency

• Problem: Mauritius imports $1 billion worth of agricultural goods annually (19.9% of total imports in 2021), exposing the nation to global price volatility and supply chain disruptions. Climate change and limited arable land exacerbate food insecurity.

• Solution: High-tech methods like vertical farming and hydroponics enable year-round cultivation in controlled environments, reducing reliance on imports. For example, vertical farms in urban areas could grow leafy greens and herbs locally, replacing imported staples.

• Outcome: By producing high-demand crops domestically (e.g., tomatoes, potatoes), Mauritius could retain capital within the economy, stabilize food prices, and ensure a consistent supply of fresh produce.

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2. Modernizing an Ageing Agricultural Sector

• Problem: The average age of Mauritian farmers is rising, with younger generations viewing traditional farming as unattractive or unprofitable.

• Solution: High-tech agriculture integrates digital tools (e.g., drones, IoT sensors) and automation, appealing to tech-savvy youth. For instance, there is a company that provide drone-based crop monitoring, it combines agriculture with data science, attracting engineers and IT professionals.

• Outcome: Bridging the generational gap ensures continuity in farming. Older farmers benefit from tools like automated irrigation systems, which reduce physical labour while boosting yields.

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3. Boosting Productivity and Resource Efficiency

• Precision Agriculture:

  • Technology: Drones and sensors provide real-time data on soil health, moisture levels, and pest infestations. For example, the company 3D mapping identifies nutrient deficiencies early, allowing targeted interventions.

  • Impact: A case study in Montgomery showed 75% higher yields and 70% improved water efficiency after adopting drone-guided pest control. In Mauritius, similar systems could mitigate water scarcity and reduce crop loss during droughts.

• Vertical Farming:

  • How It Works: Stacked layers of crops grown indoors under LED lights, using hydroponic or aeroponic systems.

  • Advantage: Produces 10–20 times more food per square meter than traditional farming, ideal for Mauritius’ limited land. Urban vertical farms could supply fresh produce to cities like Port Louis, cutting transportation costs and emissions.

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4. Economic Growth and Job Creation

• Investment Opportunities: High-tech agriculture attracts domestic and foreign investors. For example, controlled-environment farms (e.g., greenhouses with automated climate control) offer predictable returns, appealing to ESG-focused investors.

• New Job Sectors:

  • Skilled Roles: Engineers, data analysts, and drone operators are needed to maintain advanced systems.

  • Agri-Tech Startups: There are now companies that are creating niches in precision farming tools, fostering innovation.

• Case Study: The sugarcane industry already uses automated harvesters (e.g., Omnicane), reducing labour shortages and increasing efficiency.

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5. Environmental Sustainability and Health Benefits

• Reducing Chemical Use:

  • Problem: Overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides contaminates water and soil.

  • Solution: Precision spraying via drones ensures chemicals are applied only where needed, cutting usage by up to 30%. Bio-fertilizers and organic methods further reduce reliance on synthetics.

  • Health Impact: Organic produce grown with high-tech methods contains 40% more antioxidants, promoting public health.

• Climate Resilience:

  • Controlled Environments: Greenhouses and vertical farms protect crops from extreme weather (e.g., cyclones), ensuring stable yields.

  • Lower Emissions: Hydroponics uses 90% less water than soil farming, and renewable energy (e.g., solar-powered farms) can further reduce carbon footprints.

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6. Proven Success and Scalability

• Local Examples:

  • Company X: Their drones provide farmers with actionable insights, reducing crop loss by 20–30%. Real-time soil analysis helps optimize fertilizer use, lowering costs.

  • Company Y: Specializes in sensor-based irrigation systems, cutting water waste by 50% in pilot projects.

• Global Trends: Countries like Israel and the Netherlands have revolutionized agriculture through tech, achieving food security despite resource constraints. Mauritius can replicate this model.

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7. Aligning with Global Sustainability Goals

• SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): High-tech methods increase local food production, reducing hunger risks.

• SDG 8 (Decent Work): Creates skilled jobs in tech-driven farming, diversifying the economy.

• SDG 13 (Climate Action): Efficient resource use and lower emissions align with climate resilience targets.

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Conclusion: High-tech agriculture offers Mauritius a pathway to food sovereignty, economic diversification, and environmental stewardship. By integrating innovation with local needs—such as addressing ageing farmers and climate vulnerabilities—Mauritius can build a resilient agricultural sector that benefits both people and the planet. The success of companies demonstrates that technology, when adapted thoughtfully, can transform challenges into opportunities.

Arguments Against High-Tech Agriculture in Mauritius

1. Financial Burden on Small Farmers

• Cost Prohibition: Transitioning to high-tech agriculture requires 1.5–3 million rupees per hectare, a sum far beyond the reach of most Mauritian farmers. With 82% of farmers owning less than one hectare and earning 17,000–25,000 rupees monthly, such investments are unaffordable without crippling debt.

• Debt Trap: Repaying even 1.5 million rupees would demand over 10 years of total savings for an average farmer, creating a cycle of dependency on loans. Unlike developed nations, Mauritius lacks robust subsidies or financial safety nets, exacerbating the risk of bankruptcy.

• Structural Inequality: The high-tech model inherently favors wealthy corporations or large-scale agribusinesses, sidelining smallholders and deepening economic disparities.

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2. Threat to Smallholder Farming and Food Sovereignty

• Displacement of Farmers: As seen in India (where 1 million small farmers were displaced due to aggressive mechanization), automation and corporate-driven tech reduce the need for human labor. Small farmers, unable to compete with tech-savvy conglomerates, face forced exits from agriculture.

• Corporate Monopolies: Large agribusinesses could dominate food production, leading to price manipulation and reduced accessibility. For example, corporate control might prioritize export crops over local staples, risking food scarcity.

• Unemployment Crisis: Automation replaces manual jobs (e.g., planting, harvesting), threatening livelihoods in a sector that employs a significant portion of Mauritius’ rural population.

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3. Contradiction of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 1 (No Poverty): High-tech transitions would push small farmers into debt or displacement, worsening rural poverty.

• SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): Corporate monopolies could prioritize profits over food affordability, leading to price hikes and reduced access to nutritious food for low-income populations.

• SDG 8 (Decent Work): Automation eliminates jobs without creating equitable alternatives, undermining economic growth in agrarian communities.

• SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): Wealth gaps widen as tech benefits only corporations and wealthy landowners, marginalizing smallholders further.

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4. Critique of "Progress" as Economic Colonization

• Corporate Takeover: Framing high-tech agriculture as “modernization” masks its role in transferring control from local farmers to foreign corporations. For instance, reliance on imported AI systems or robotics could make Mauritius dependent on external entities for critical farming inputs.

• Neocolonial Dynamics: The push for expensive, foreign-owned technology echoes historical colonization, where external powers extract wealth while undermining local autonomy. This risks erasing Mauritius’ agricultural heritage and self-sufficiency.

• False Promise of Efficiency: While high-tech methods may boost yields, they ignore systemic issues like unfair pricing, lack of infrastructure, and climate vulnerabilities that small farmers face.

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5. Alternatives: Sustainable and Equitable Solutions

• Invest in Local Practices: Promote agroecology, crop diversification, and organic farming—methods that are cost-effective, environmentally sustainable, and tailored to Mauritius’ climate.

• Policy Protections: Implement price guarantees, subsidies for seeds/equipment, and land reforms to secure farmers’ rights.

• Skill Development: Fund training programs in sustainable techniques (e.g., water conservation, pest management) instead of prioritizing expensive tech.

• Community Cooperatives: Encourage collective farming models to pool resources and bargaining power, reducing reliance on corporate intermediaries.

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6. Moral and Cultural Imperative

• Historical Legacy: Smallholder farmers have sustained Mauritius through cyclones, droughts, and economic crises. Abandoning them for corporate-driven tech betrays this legacy and cultural identity.

• Ethical Choice: The debate is framed as a moral crossroads—prioritizing people (farmers, food security) versus profit (corporate interests). Policymakers are urged to reject policies that sacrifice human dignity for technological “progress.”

• Irreversible Consequences: Losing smallholder farming would mean losing biodiversity, traditional knowledge, and resilience to climate shocks, leaving Mauritius vulnerable to global market fluctuations.

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Conclusion: The arguments against high-tech agriculture in Mauritius emphasize its role in perpetuating inequality, eroding food sovereignty, and undermining ethical governance. Advocates call for a shift toward inclusive, sustainable policies that protect farmers, preserve cultural heritage, and prioritize national self-reliance over corporate profit.

The other groups were the BSc (Hons) Food Science and Technology Year 1 and 2, and the BSc Biotechnology Year 1 and Year 2. 

BSc (Hons) Food Science and Technology, Year 2

BSc (Hons) Microbiology Year 2

Seaweed Aquaculture: A Sustainable Future for Food, Environment, and Economy

On Monday, 17th March 2025, the University of Mauritius' Faculty of Agriculture hosted  an event at the R. Burrenchobay Lecture Theatre (RBLT) in Reduit. The occasion brought together government officials, researchers, and stakeholders to engage in discussions and collaborative efforts aimed at advancing seaweed aquaculture initiatives and addressing key challenges in the sector. This workshop underscores seaweed aquaculture’s multifaceted benefits and positions Mauritius as a leader in sustainable marine resource innovation. The agricultural society of the University has also actively participated in the event. 

The members of the Agricultural Society

Objective: The workshop highlights the transformative potential of seaweed aquaculture in addressing global challenges such as food security, environmental degradation, and economic resilience. Centered on the R.I.S.E. Project (Resilient Island Endeavour), the event explores seaweed's applications as a superfood, bio-stimulant, and driver of sustainable development in Mauritius.

Key Sessions & Speakers:

• Inaugural Addresses: Speeches by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sanjeev Sobhee, Honorable Dr Arvind Boolell  GOSK (Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries) and Dr. Kaviraj Sharma Sukon (Minister of Tertiary Education, Science and Research) emphasize national and institutional commitments to advancing seaweed aquaculture. The Dean of the Faculty Assoc Prof J.Govinden Soulange further emphasized the Faculty role in educating and equipping our young generation to meet growing demands in marine resource management.

  
  
  
  

  
  

• R.I.S.E. Project Insights: Elisa Gatteschi and Daksh Beeharry Panray discuss the practical applications of seaweed cultivation in Mauritius, including its role as a nutrient-rich food source and agricultural bio-stimulant.

• Sustainability Focus: Dr. Nadeem Nazullary elaborated on seaweed’s ecological benefits, such as carbon sequestration, habitat restoration, and its economic potential for coastal communities.

• Genetic Research: Bhuvaneshwaree Surroop, Tashika Kalloo, and Bipasha Sookun presented findings from genetic studies on Mauritian seaweed, highlighting opportunities for optimized cultivation.

General Takeaways

The island nation of Mauritius is strategically positioning its marine resources at the forefront of a sustainable development paradigm through the Resilient Island Endeavour (R.I.S.E.) Project. This initiative, a collaboration between Cooperazione Internazionale Sud Sud (CISS) and the Environmental Protection and Conservation Organisation (EPCO), focuses on the cultivation of Ulva Lactuca (sea lettuce) to address critical challenges in food security and climate change resilience. This endeavour represents a significant exploration into the potential of seaweed aquaculture within the context of a Small Island Developing State (SIDS).  

 Nutritional and Agronomic Applications of Ulva Lactuca: A Multifaceted Approach

Research indicates that Ulva Lactuca possesses a rich nutritional profile, qualifying it as a potential superfood. Its high concentrations of essential minerals, including iron (137 mg/100g), magnesium (2250 mg/100g), and calcium (3052 mg/100g), alongside the presence of all essentials amino acids, underscore its value in dietary diversification. The R.I.S.E. Project aims to translate these nutritional benefits into accessible food products for the local population through targeted training and market development strategies. This initiative aligns with global trends recognizing the potential of algae as a sustainable food source.

The seaweed workshop participants with the Dean of Faculty of Agriculture
On the right side And Minister Honorable Dr K.Sukon

Students of the Faculty of Agriculture

Furthermore, the project investigates the application of Ulva Lactuca as a bio-stimulant in agriculture. Seaweed-based fertilizers have demonstrated the capacity to enhance soil fertility, improve plant growth, and increase resilience to abiotic stresses such as water scarcity. The macro and micro minerals present in seaweed contribute to improved soil aeration and can play a role in pest management, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic chemical inputs. This approach is particularly relevant for Mauritius, which faces increasing challenges from climate change impacts on agricultural productivity.

Scaling Seaweed Aquaculture in Mauritius: Feasibility and Considerations

The feasibility of scaling seaweed farming in Mauritius is supported by the island's substantial seaweed biodiversity, with over 435 recorded species. The government's strategic emphasis on the "blue economy" as a driver for economic growth provides a supportive policy environment for aquaculture development. While the R.I.S.E. Project operates at a community level, the global market for seaweed is experiencing significant expansion, presenting opportunities for Mauritius to establish a more substantial industry.

However, the transition to large-scale seaweed aquaculture necessitates careful consideration of several factors. These include the identification of suitable cultivation sites, the development of efficient harvesting methodologies, and the implementation of robust biosecurity measures to mitigate the risk of disease. Furthermore, establishing a well-defined regulatory framework and ensuring access to financial resources are crucial for attracting investment and fostering sustainable growth. Learning from successful seaweed aquaculture initiatives in other island nations, such as Indonesia and the Philippines, can provide valuable insights for Mauritius.

Environmental Implications and Sustainability

Seaweed aquaculture offers several environmental co-benefits, including carbon sequestration and the bioremediation of nutrient-rich waters. By absorbing carbon dioxide, seaweed cultivation can contribute to climate change mitigation efforts. Additionally, the uptake of excess nutrients can help to improve water quality in coastal ecosystems. The R.I.S.E. Project explicitly promotes sustainable seaweed farming practices to minimize potential negative impacts on the marine environment. While generally considered environmentally benign, careful site selection and adherence to best practices are essential to avoid habitat disruption and ensure the long-term ecological sustainability of seaweed aquaculture.

Conclusion and Future Directions

The R.I.S.E. Project in Mauritius exemplifies a progressive approach to leveraging marine resources for sustainable development. By focusing on the dual applications of Ulva Lactuca as a superfood and a bio-stimulant, the initiative addresses critical needs in nutrition and agricultural resilience within the context of climate change. While challenges exist in scaling up seaweed aquaculture, the inherent potential of Mauritius' marine environment, coupled with supportive government policies and growing global market demand, presents a promising trajectory for the development of a significant blue economy sector. Future research and development efforts should focus on optimizing cultivation techniques, exploring diverse applications of seaweed biomass, and establishing robust value chains to ensure the long-term economic and environmental sustainability of this emerging industry in Mauritius.

New Brew for Mauritius: ENL's 500-Arpents Tea Revival

Mauritius is witnessing a revival of its tea-growing heritage. For generations, tea has been more than just a beverage here; it's woven into the fabric of Mauritian culture. But in recent decades, the industry faced decline, leading to increased reliance on imports. Now, ENL, a major player in the Mauritian economy, is stepping in with a bold vision: to bring back the golden age of Mauritian tea.   

Imagine rolling hills in Valetta, lush with vibrant tea bushes, replacing underutilized land with a crop that holds both history and promise. That's the scene ENL is creating with its ambitious Rs 160 million, a500-Arpents tea plantation project. This isn't just about planting tea; it's about cultivating a sustainable future for Mauritian agriculture.

Historical context of tea in Mauritius and ENL's past involvement:

• Long-standing tradition: Tea cultivation has a history of over a century in Mauritius.
• Ideal conditions: The Bar Le Duc, Beau Bois, and Mon Désert Alma regions were historically favoured due to their humid climate and acidic soils, which are optimal for tea growth.
• ENL's past involvement: ENL has a history of tea production, having previously produced over 1,300 tonnes of tea leaves on 300 acres of land. This demonstrates the group's deep-rooted connection to tea cultivation.

Why Tea, and Why Now?

Mauritius, once a proud exporter of tea, now imports a significant portion of its consumption. This initiative is a direct response to the need for greater food security and a desire to reclaim a vital part of the nation's agricultural legacy. ENL's project aims to:

• Reduce import dependence: By increasing local production, Mauritius can lessen its reliance on foreign tea.
• Revitalize the industry: Introducing new, high-yield cultivars and modern farming techniques will boost the quality and quantity of Mauritian tea.
• Diversify agriculture: Moving beyond sugarcane monoculture strengthens the island's agricultural resilience.
• Empower local communities: Partnerships with farmers will provide training and support, creating a sustainable ecosystem.

A Modern Approach to a Traditional Crop

ENL is not just planting tea; they're implementing a forward-thinking approach. Key elements include:

• Cyclone-resistant cultivars: Imported from Kenya, these varieties are well-suited to the Mauritian climate.
• Sustainable cultivation: Utilizing the naturally acidic soils of Valetta minimizes the need for artificial amendments.
• Expert collaboration: Partnering with the Kenyan Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation ensures knowledge transfer and best practices.
• Technological advancement: Mechanical harvesting will enhance efficiency and productivity.
• Large scale import: 600,000 tea plant cuttings have been imported from Kenya to begin this large scale project.

More Than Just a Plantation

This project is a testament to ENL's commitment to sustainable development and community engagement. By working closely with local farmers, providing training, and supporting the adoption of modern techniques, ENL is fostering a thriving tea-growing community.

The ENL tea project is more than just an agricultural endeavour; it's a symbol of hope and a testament to the resilience of Mauritian agriculture. It's a reminder that even in a rapidly changing world, tradition and innovation can blend seamlessly to create a brighter future. So, next time you enjoy a cup of Mauritian tea, remember the story behind it – a story of revival, sustainability, and a renewed appreciation for the island's rich agricultural heritage.

Towards an AI Mauritius - A Focus on Education: The Cornerstone of Transformation

Towards an AI-First Mauritius: A Bold Vision for Economic Transformation

Mauritius has already taken a significant step towards a digital future by offering free internet access. However, in an era defined by artificial intelligence, this is merely the starting point. A recent publication by the Charles Telfair Centre, authored by Dr. Bippin Makoond, proposes a transformative vision: an "AI-First Mauritius" achieved through strategic investment in advanced Large Language Models (LLMs) for its citizens.

Beyond Connectivity: The Necessity of Advanced AI

While acknowledging the importance of the government's free internet initiative, the paper argues that "mere connectivity is not enough" to unlock vast opportunities in the age of AI. To truly thrive in a world driven by economic, social, and technological transformation, Mauritius needs to empower its citizens with access to sophisticated AI tools. The author draws an analogy, stating that while free open-source LLMs exist and are useful for basic tasks ("like bicycles"), proprietary models are the "high-performance vehicles" necessary for sustained, high-speed progress. These advanced tools offer superior features, scalability, and dedicated support, crucial for a robust digital transformation towards a knowledge-driven economy.

Unlocking Potential: The Power of Large Language Models

The report emphasizes that tackling barriers to advanced AI technologies like LLMs from leaders such as OpenAI and Google DeepMind is critical. These tools remain out of reach for many due to high costs and technical complexities. By subsidizing access to these AI resources, Mauritius can bridge digital divides, learning inequity, and catalyze productivity across various sectors including education, healthcare, finance, and tourism.

LLMs offer a multitude of benefits:

• Revolutionizing Education and the Workplace: They can provide personalized, multilingual learning solutions and enhance businesses through insightful data analytics.
• Fostering Inclusivity: LLMs can break down language barriers, ensuring wider access to information and opportunities.
• Improving Key Sectors: They hold the potential to enhance healthcare diagnostics and streamline business operations.
• Strengthening Governance and Innovation: Investing in broad AI access can lead to more informed policy-making and resource allocation, positioning Mauritius as an innovative leader and attracting global investment.
• Enhancing Human Capital: Integrating AI with free internet can empower citizens, fuel innovation, and boost national resilience in the global digital landscape, leading to a more equitable society and long-term prosperity.

A Focus on Education: The Cornerstone of Transformation

The integration of AI LLMs into Mauritius’s educational system is highlighted as a significant opportunity to enhance its economic and social landscape. Drawing lessons from nations like Taiwan, South Korea, and Singapore, the report underscores the role of substantial educational investment in creating knowledge-based economies. AI is presented as a key tool for "levelling the educational playing field", making learning accessible to all citizens regardless of their socio-economic status or geographic location, especially given Mauritius's limited resources but high ambitions for digital transformation. Furthermore, AI-driven education could potentially serve as an affordable and scalable alternative to the pervasive issue of private tuition.
The vision extends beyond traditional schooling to embrace a "lifelong continuum" of learning, where the workplace becomes a "learning temple". Cultivating a mindset of continuous learning, experimentation, and data-driven decision-making is crucial, starting with educators who can embed this philosophy in children from an early age. AI is seen as the enabler for this transformation, requiring smaller efforts to yield significant results.

Generative AI's Impact on Education: Access, Errors, and Strategy

 

Overview:

Professor Bharat N. Anand of Harvard Business School presents a nuanced perspective on the impact of generative AI on education and the future of work. He challenges conventional wisdom, arguing that the transformative power of AI lies less in its raw "intelligence" and more in its accessibility. He emphasizes the importance of strategic adoption, focusing on the cost of errors rather than just prediction errors, and urges a re-evaluation of the role of teachers and the skills most valuable in an AI-driven world. Anand deconstructs the hype surrounding AI tutors, suggesting that the benefits of AI will accrue disproportionately to those who already have domain expertise, furthering rather than levelling the playing field.

Key Themes and Ideas:

• Accessibility vs. Intelligence: Anand argues that the rapid adoption of generative AI isn't primarily due to a sudden leap in intelligence, but to the vastly improved interface and accessibility.
• "The fundamental reason why this is taken off, he would argue, has less to do with the discrete improvements in intelligence 2 years ago as opposed to the Improvement in Access or the interface that we have with the intelligence."
• He compares it to the shift from DOS prompts to a graphical user interface: "The big difference was the interface, meaning we moved to a graphical user interface and suddenly 7-year-old kids could be using computers, that I think is more similar to the revolution we're seeing now."
• This accessibility means more people can use computers for specialized purposes, but not necessarily the same people.
• The Cost of Errors as a Strategic Framework: Instead of focusing solely on the accuracy of AI outputs (prediction errors), Anand proposes evaluating AI adoption based on the cost of errors. 
• "We are obsessed with talking about prediction errors from large language models. I think the more relevant question is the cost of making these errors, meaning in some cases the prediction error might be 30% but if the cost of error is zero it's okay to adopt it."
• He urges organizations to break down analysis into tasks rather than whole industries. "Don't ask of what is AI going to do to me, ask which are the tasks that I can actually automate and which are the tasks I don't want to touch."
• The Ryanair Analogy: Anand uses Ryanair as a metaphor for AI adoption. Even if the "product" (AI output) isn't perfect, the cost and time savings can justify its use:
• "Even when AI capabilities fall far short and impair the human value proposition there's still a reason to adopt it... even if there's no improvement in intelligence simply because of cost and Time Savings there might be massive benefits to trying to adopt this."
• "This is an airline like most low-cost Airlines it doesn't offer any food on board no seat selection you've got to walk to the TAC you got to pay extra for bags no frequent flyers no lounges and this is the most profitable airline in Europe for the last 30 years running why it's not providing a better product it's saving cost."
• Challenging Assumptions About AI Tutors: Anand presents a Harvard experiment showing AI tutors outperformed human tutors in a physical science course. However, he later argues this doesn't necessarily mean AI will level the playing field.
• "What was interesting was the scores of the students using the AI Bots were higher than with the human tutors and these are tutors who've been refining their craft year in and year out what was even more surprising is engagement was higher."
• The Potential for Increased Inequality: Anand cautions that AI benefits may disproportionately accrue to those with existing domain expertise: Anand cautions against the assumption that AI will automatically level the playing field in education. He argues that individuals with existing domain expertise are likely to benefit disproportionately from AI. Without foundational knowledge, users may struggle to formulate effective prompts and discern the quality of AI outputs ("garbage in, garbage out").
• He cites the example of online education platform like edX, where the majority of completers already had college degrees: "the educated rich were getting richer."
• Re-evaluating the Purpose of Education and the Role of Teachers
• Professor Anand emphasizes that education is not solely about acquiring information but also about how we learn. Skills like logic, communication, and memory remain valuable in an AI-driven world. He suggests that the core purpose of traditional educational methods, such as case studies (listening and communication), proofs (logic), and memorization (refining memory), remains relevant. "They're saying that the real purpose of case method was listening and communication the real purpose of proofs was understanding logic the real purpose of memorizing state capitals was refining your memory."
• He believes a strategic conversation is needed about the role and purpose of teachers in an AI-driven world. The most important thing in today's world is curiosity and intrinsic motivation.
• Focusing on Creative Thinking and Empathy: Anand advocates for teaching creativity, judgment, human emotion, empathy, and psychology, as these skills are likely to be more resilient to automation.
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In this new landscape, the role of teachers needs to be re-evaluated. Instead of simply being purveyors of knowledge, educators should focus on fostering critical thinking, creativity, empathy, and communication – skills less susceptible to automation. Anand highlights that tech experts are advising their children to learn skills to dance, plumbing, and humanities, implicitly recognizing their robustness against machine intelligence. Cultivating curiosity and intrinsic motivation becomes paramount for lifelong learning.

• Happy Reading!!!