SETTING UP OF AN ORGANIC FARM IN BRITANNIA, MAURITIUS

Government is committed to support sustainable agricultural development and organic food production for local market and increase export potential as well as diminish high reliance on chemical inputs.

The above statement was made yesterday by the Prime Minister, Minister of Home Affairs, External Communications and National Development Unit and Minister of Finance and Economic

Development, Mr Pravind Jugnauth, at the launching of the first organic farming zone at Britannia.
The Prime Minister recalled that for the development of this first organic zone of 66 acres, an amount of Rs 25 million has been allotted under Budget 2016-2017. He underlined that under the present demanding foodcrop production systems, planters rely heavily on the use of agrochemicals, particularly pesticides and chemical fertilisers.

This practice is not environment friendly and is a threat to food quality and safety, he said, adding that the promotion of sustainable and organic agriculture through innovations and environmentally safe practices will boost the agricultural sector.

According to Mr Jugnauth, Mauritius has to produce a certain minimum to ensure food security but with increasing consumer awareness on safe food and environment friendly practices it is important to focus on the quality of the products. The potential of producing organic fruits and vegetables exists in Mauritius, he stated and urged the youth to join and develop this sector with the help of new technology. Organic production can help us access viable and value-added markets to benefit from higher prices, he added.

Present on the occasion, the Minister of Agro-Industry and Food Security, Mr Mahen Seeruttun, announced that a regulation of organic farming is in the pipeline. He recalled the challenges faced by the community of planters due to climate change and stressed that his Ministry will always stand by their side to support them in various ways.

A second organic farming zone will be developed on 25 acres at Plaine Magnien as a result of the high response for organic projects, the Minister stated. He also listed out the different schemes proposed by his Ministry to encourage smart agriculture and organic farming systems for the production of safer and healthier food products.

Moreover at the same event, sixteen promoters of organic projects were handed their Lease Agreements and Bio-farming Development certificates.