Revitalizing Agriculture in Mauritius: Challenges, Innovations, and the Role of Education

 

 

 Introduction

Mauritius faces significant challenges in agriculture and food security. Recently, in a meeting we focused on agricultural education, research, and the pressing need to engage youth in agriculture. This conversation is crucial for understanding the broader dynamics of food security and the evolution of farming practices in Mauritius.
 

The Importance of Agriculture and Food Security

The members at the meeting emphasized the importance of agriculture and food security for Mauritius. They highlighted the need to optimize local resources and explore innovative agricultural practices beyond traditional open-field farming. As a small island nation, Mauritius faces unique challenges in land cultivation and resource management, making these discussions particularly relevant.

Challenges in Agricultural Education

One of the key topics was the difficulty of cultivating land due to irrigation issues and other concerns. There is a strong desire to attract young people to the sector, especially through controlled environment agriculture (CEA). There are plans to support students pursuing agriculture by organizing workshops on CEA to educate and incentivize them. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between traditional farming methods and modern, technology-driven practices. Mauritius's tertiary education landscape is diverse, offering students multiple choices for higher education. However, agriculture often loses appeal to fields like IT and finance. Interdisciplinary applications, such as IT in agriculture, are rare but hold potential for innovation.

The Role of the Faculty of Agriculture

The Faculty of Agriculture, with about 300 students, has adapted its programs based on government policy and the country's needs. New programs in agriscience and technology have been introduced, yet there is a noted decline in student enrolment. This decline is attributed to demographic changes and decreased interest in traditional agriculture.

Addressing the Ageing Population and Youth Engagement

The ageing population in agriculture presents a significant challenge. Efforts to convert agriculture students into entrepreneurs and ensure their quick employment post-graduation are crucial. Internships and practical experience are emphasized to enhance job readiness. The government provides various schemes and incentives for young entrepreneurs in agriculture, though follow-up and mentorship need improvement. Lowering entrance requirements and offering foundational courses are among the strategies to attract students to agriculture.

Modern Farming Techniques and Financial Barriers

Modern farming techniques like controlled environment agriculture, smart agriculture, container farming, and vertical farming were discussed. These advanced technologies, including the use of drones, require substantial investment, posing a significant barrier. The high costs associated with container farms were highlighted as an example of the financial challenges faced by young agripreneurs.

 

Research and Innovation in Agriculture

Research and innovation play a vital role in advancing agricultural practices. Projects funded by the Mauritius Research and Innovation Council (MRIC) and the Higher Education Commission (HEC) focus on areas like aquaponics, bio-pesticides, and bio-farming. These initiatives are crucial for reducing reliance on chemical pesticides and introducing sustainable farming practices in Mauritius.
 

Workforce Challenges and Specialised Skills

The ageing workforce and lack of succession planning within organizations pose significant challenges. There is a shortage of young professionals with specialised
skills in agronomy, plant pathology, and agricultural engineering. New ideas and up-to-date technological expertise are essential for the future of agriculture in Mauritius.
 

Commercialization and Innovation Challenges

Commercializing research is rare, with few projects making it beyond the research phase to market innovations. Successful examples like "ManioDix," a breakfast cereal alternative made from manioc, highlight the potential for research to market transitions. However, scaling up and ensuring commercial viability remain significant challenges. Food security is a critical concern. Initiatives like "ManioDix" and using local crops like cassava and jackfruit for various products underscore the potential for enhancing food security. However, issues related to consistent supply, scalability, and the viability of agriculture compared to other industries like real estate remain.

The Road Ahead

To truly revitalize agriculture in Mauritius, a coordinated effort is needed:

1. Early education: Making agriculture an attractive option from primary school onwards.
2. Practical experience: Emphasizing internships and hands-on learning for university students.
3. Financial support: Developing realistic and sustainable funding models for young agripreneurs, including better follow-up and mentorship for existing schemes.
4. Technology integration: Encouraging the adoption of modern farming techniques through incentives and education.
5. Research-to-market pipeline: Improving the commercialization process for agricultural innovations.
6. Cross-sector collaboration: Fostering partnerships between academia, industry, and government to address challenges holistically.
7. Addressing the skills gap: Focusing on developing specialised skills in areas like agronomy, plant pathology, and agricultural engineering.
8. Exploring interdisciplinary applications: Encouraging the application of skills from other sectors, such as IT, to agriculture.
9. Sustainable practices: Promoting the use of local crops like cassava and jackfruit for various purposes, including food products and potential exports.
10. Balancing land use: Addressing the competition between agriculture and other land uses, such as real estate development.

 Conclusion

The meeting underscored the complexity of revitalizing agriculture in Mauritius. Balancing research, innovation, and commercialization requires collaboration between academia, industry, and government. Overcoming barriers to scalability, supply chain sustainability, and integrating technology in agriculture are essential for enhancing food security and economic resilience in Mauritius. This concerted effort is crucial for ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for the nation's agricultural sector.