Architects of Sustainable Agriculture

Celebrating the Graduates of 2026 | Faculty of Agriculture

~100 Total Graduates

07 PhD Awards

23 MSc Degrees

70 BSc (Hons)

In Memoriam: Dr. Ballah Mohun

A moment of profound significance was observed during the ceremony as a Posthumous Doctor of Philosophy in the field of Water Ecology was awarded to Dr. Ballah Mohun. This award recognizes his dedicated research and lasting contribution to the field of ecological science, serving as an inspiration to all new graduates beginning their professional journeys.

Celebrating the Graduates of 2026

The Faculty of Agriculture has just released its latest cohort of graduates, and the numbers tell a story of high academic achievement and specialized expertise. With nearly a 100 graduates entering the professional landscape, the future of our food systems looks brighter—and safer—than ever.

• A Powerhouse of Food Safety A standout feature of this year’s list is the MSc in Food Safety and Food Innovation. With 11 graduates achieving Distinction, this group represents a high-caliber task force ready to innovate in food processing, quality control, and safety protocols.
• Doctoral Leadership & Advanced Research The conferment of 7 PhDs (including the posthumous award in Ecology) underscores the faculty’s commitment to high-level research in vital fields such as Marine Biology, Marine Biotechnology, Molecular Plant Pathology, Natural Product Research, and Postharvest Technology.
• A Balanced Pipeline of Talent The faculty continues to produce a steady stream of specialized technical professionals, with 70 BSc graduates across four core disciplines: Agricultural Science and Technology, Applied Biochemistry, Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, and Food Science and Technology.
• Excellence at Scale Across all programs, the high frequency of First Class Honours and Distinctions highlights a sustained culture of excellence and academic rigor within the Faculty of Agriculture.

From the lab to the field, and from safety audits to tropical animal production, these 100 graduates are the new architects of a resilient agricultural sector. Their diverse expertise across biochemistry, environmental health, and innovative food technologies ensures they are equipped to tackle the world's most pressing nutritional and environmental challenges.

Congratulations to the Graduates of 2026—your journey to feed the future starts now!

University of Mauritius | Faculty of Agriculture Blog Series 2026

Celebrating Excellence: Faculty of Agriculture Honours Four New PhDs

In the front row, from left to Right, Dr Patel, Dr Joomun, Dr Jahajeeah and Dr Mungla

The Faculty of Agriculture is proud to announce the conferment of four Doctor of Philosophy degrees. This significant achievement is a testament to the rigorous academic standards and the unwavering dedication of both the graduates and the faculty academic staff who guided them.

They have successfully completed their doctoral studies, contributing valuable and innovative research to their respective fields. We extend our warmest congratulations to the following graduates: 

• PATEL Nausheen Azhaar, Doctor of Philosophy in the field of Entomology.

• JOOMUN Aishah Bibi Zainab, Doctor of Philosophy in the field of Food Safety.

• JAHAJEEAH Deeya, Doctor of Philosophy in the field of Marine Biology.

• MUNGLA Gireshsingh, Doctor of Philosophy in the field of Soil Science.

Their hard work has not only culminated in this prestigious qualification but has also enriched the body of knowledge in critical areas of agricultural science.

This is a proud moment for the entire institution and serves as an inspiration to aspiring researchers. We wish our new doctors all the best in their future endeavors, confident that they will continue to make meaningful contributions to their fields and beyond.

Graduation Ceremony 2025 - Engineering Tomorrow: A Vision for Mauritius's Future Leaders

Hon F. David (left) with the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and the Chancellor of the University 

At the graduation ceremony held on 29 July 2025 for the Faculty of Agriculture, at the University of Mauritius, a key address was delivered by the guest speaker Hon Gilles Fabrice David, Junior Minister of AgroIndustry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries.

He expressed profound happiness and pride in addressing the "future of our country," referring to the graduates as the "builders of tomorrow, the custodians of knowledge and transformation".

He emphasised that this momentous occasion marked not only the culmination of years of perseverance and intellectual growth but also the beginning of a path that demands creativity, innovation, courage, and "unwavering vision, bold leadership and determination to engineer a future that will transcend boundaries and transforms challenges into opportunities".

Science-Based Policy and Sectoral Transformation

A core theme of his aaddress was the critical importance of science-based policy, with evidence, research, and innovation guiding national decisions, especially in areas like climate resilience, food security, renewable energy, and the green and blue economies. The graduates, as future scientists, engineers, and researchers, are expected to provide the knowledge to shape this future.

The speech highlighted significant shifts and future directions in key sectors:

• Agriculture: Beyond Soil and Space
• The Faculty of Agriculture, established in 1914, is the oldest of its kind in Mauritius, boasting over a century of excellence.
• Agriculture today is no longer solely defined by space and soil; it is "driven by satellites, sensors, artificial intelligence and smart systems".
• Graduates are poised to lead in digital agriculture, precision farming, climate-smart solutions, and biotechnology innovations.
• This transformation is crucial because Mauritius still imports 75% of its food, amounting to a Rs 61 billion bill in 2023, posing both an economic issue and a strategic risk.
• By working in agriculture, graduates are not just cultivating crops but "cultivating a resilient Mauritius".
• The government is investing in this sector through climate-smart agriculture training, agro-processing opportunities, and innovation hubs, with the National Agricultural Research Institute evolving into a 21st-century partner for startups and global networks.
• Engineering: Addressing New Frontiers
• The Faculty of Engineering, founded in 1968, close to the nation's independence, has been instrumental in Mauritius's industrial growth, producing minds that built infrastructure, powered industries, and innovated the economy for nearly six decades.
• Today's engineers face new challenges, including renewable energy, sustainable design, green technologies, and ocean innovation.
• A critical requirement for all new projects and developments is "climate proofing," to withstand the impacts of a changing world.
• The world needs problem-solvers who can "think beyond boundaries," a skill the graduates have been trained to acquire.

Mauritius: A "Big Ocean State" with Big Ambitions

A particularly exciting vision presented was Mauritius's identity as a "big ocean state" (BOSS).

• Mauritius is striving to redefine itself not by its small landmass but by its vast ocean territory of 2.2 million square kilometers, which is "a thousand times bigger than our land".
• The ambition is to become a "boss in the region," a "driving force for Africa, a bridge to Asia, and an ocean leader for the world".
• A major step towards this vision was the Prime Minister's announcement at the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNO3) in France of the creation of a new, full-fledged Faculty of Ocean Studies in Mauritius, which will serve as a "hub of research, innovation and ocean leadership". This will be an expansion from the current Department of Biosciences and Ocean Studies within the Faculty of Science.
• The speaker expressed a personal dream of Mauritius one day hosting an international institution focused on ocean studies.
• To realize this, the speaker has already engaged with the Minister for Tertiary Education, Science and Research and the Vice Chancellor, expressing readiness to collaborate on engineering this new faculty.
• The Mauritius Oceanography Institute (MOI), with its 19 qualified marine scientists (including five with doctoral degrees), is identified as a key partner. MOI can host students for projects, and its staff can serve as academics, contributing to teaching and supervision while continuing their research.
• Crucially, to ensure job prospects for graduates, MOI and the Albion Fisheries Research Center (both under the speaker's ministry) will commit to recruiting at least five graduates annually over the next five years, by which time the new faculty is expected to be strong enough to absorb its own graduates and offer postgraduate courses. This initiative aims to create "a new dynamism in ocean science," opening further opportunities.

A Call to Reimagine and Lead

Regardless of their field—agriculture, ocean science, or engineering—the graduates' skills are "critical for shaping a resilient, innovative and sustainable Mauritius". The future will be challenging but meaningful, demanding that they "reimagine what can be, what will be," rather than simply replicating what came before.

The address powerfully concluded by emphasizing that:

• "A nation that cannot feed itself is a nation at risk".
• Conversely, "a nation that invests in its youth empowers its scientists and engineers and transform challenges into opportunities is a nation that secures its destiny".

The graduating class was urged to step forward with courage, conviction, and creativity, recognizing that both the land and the ocean are calling—not just for exploitation, but for "stewardship, innovation and transformation". The speech ended with heartfelt congratulations and wishes for a journey ahead filled with discovery, service, and pride for themselves, their families, their nation, and future generations.

 

Embracing Uncertainty and Cultivating Resilience: An Address to Agriculture Graduates

Introduction

Mr Yohan Gallet, the visionary founder of Sealife Organics delivers an inspiring commencement address, acknowledging the graduates' mixed feelings of accomplishment and apprehension as they transition from formal education to the next chapter of their lives. The speech focuses on providing guidance and encouragement to navigate the uncertainties of the "real world."

The speech was delivered at the graduation ceremony for the Faculty of Agriculture, where graduates of the MSc programs in Tropical Animal Production and Agronomy, Diploma in Forestry, BSc in Agriculture and Food Hygiene were present The speaker provided an inspiring and insightful message tailored to the new graduates, focusing on the unique challenges and opportunities they will face as they embark on their professional journeys in the agricultural sector.

The MSc Tropical Aninmal Production Graduates 2023/2024

Diploma in Forestry 

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Main Themes and Key Points

1. Embracing Uncertainty and Life's Unpredictability

• Life's Non-Linear Path: The speaker emphasizes that life rarely follows a predictable or linear trajectory. Unexpected twists and turns are inevitable, and embracing them can lead to personal growth and fulfillment.

• Personal Anecdote: Sharing their unconventional career journey—from studying business and aviation to working with chicken manure and seaweed—the speaker illustrates how embracing unexpected opportunities can lead to unique experiences.

• Quote: "Trust me, this is so weird because I've never bought that product."

• Opportunity in Uncertainty: Graduates are encouraged to view uncertainty not as an obstacle but as a catalyst for self-discovery and new possibilities.

• Quote: "Embrace the uncertainty because it is through uncertainty that you will learn how to grow."

2. Continuous Learning and Curiosity

• Lifelong Learning: The speaker stresses that education doesn't end with graduation; rather, learning becomes a continuous, lifelong process essential for personal and professional development.

• Quote: "Never stop learning because life is teaching, and life has some pretty weird lessons to give you."

• Adaptation and Growth: Graduates should remain curious, open-minded, and willing to adapt to new situations and challenges.

• Beyond Formal Education: Emphasizing that real-world learning often occurs outside structured environments, the speaker encourages proactive engagement with new knowledge and experiences.

3. Resilience and Perseverance

• Facing Setbacks: Acknowledging that setbacks, disappointments, and failures are part of life's journey, the speaker highlights the importance of resilience.

• Quote: "I have a PhD in failure, but through this experience, I've grown the most."

• Learning from Failure: Setbacks are presented not as defeats but as valuable learning opportunities that contribute to growth and strength.

• Maintaining Momentum: Graduates are urged to persevere through challenges, celebrate small victories, and keep moving forward even when progress seems difficult.

• Imagery: "The light at the end of the tunnel is just a train."

4. Redefining Success

• Beyond Traditional Metrics: The speaker redefines success beyond conventional markers like high exam scores or predictable career paths. Success is about adaptability, personal growth, and learning from experiences.

• Challenging Assumptions: Encouraging graduates to question societal definitions of success, the speaker suggests that fulfillment comes from pursuing one's passions and being open to unconventional paths.

5. Asking the Right Questions

• Power of Inquiry: The ability to ask thoughtful and insightful questions is emphasized as a crucial skill in navigating the complexities of the real world.

• Quote: "In the real world, asking the right question is half the battle."

• Critical Thinking: Graduates should develop critical thinking skills to challenge assumptions, seek deeper understanding, and make informed decisions amidst uncertainty.

• Active Engagement: Moving beyond passive learning, asking the right questions requires proactive seeking of information and continuous curiosity.

6. Courage and Taking Risks

• Stepping Out of Comfort Zones: The speaker encourages embracing risks and stepping into unfamiliar territories as a means of personal growth.

• Pursuing Passions: Graduates are urged to follow their passions boldly and not be deterred by fear of failure.

• Contribution to Community: Taking risks also involves contributing positively to communities and making meaningful impacts.

7. Making a Positive Impact

• Creating Your Own Path: Graduates are reminded of their ability to shape their destinies and are encouraged to forge paths that reflect their values and aspirations.

• Leaving a Legacy: By embracing these principles, graduates can leave a positive imprint on the world.

• Quote: "Go out there and make a big difference in the world."

Impactful Quotes

• "Never stop learning because life is teaching, and life has some pretty weird lessons to give you."

• "In the real world, asking the right question is half the battle."

• "Every step on the path to success requires resilience."

• "Embrace the uncertainty because it is through uncertainty that you will learn how to grow."

• "The light at the end of the tunnel is just a train."

• "I have a PhD in failure, but through this experience, I've grown the most."

• "Go out there and make a big difference in the world."

Graduation Ceremony of the Faculty of Agriculture

The guest speaker Hon Minister of Agroindustry and Food Security, Hon T. Hurdoyal addressed the graduating class at the Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Mauritius.

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed faculty, honored guests, and, most importantly, our distinguished graduates,

Today, we gather here to celebrate not just the culmination of years of study, but the beginning of new journeys, new challenges, and new opportunities. I'd like to extend my warmest congratulations to each of you, from those receiving their bachelor's degrees to those who have reached the zenith of academic achievement with their PhDs.

The University of Mauritius isn't just a place of learning; it's a beacon of academic excellence, casting its light not only across our beloved island but also shining brightly on the global stage. Your achievements here have not only raised your own prospects but have also elevated the reputation of this venerable institution.

As you stand on the precipice of the professional world, I urge you to remember the values of patience, perseverance, and adaptability. University life, with all its rigors, is but one chapter in the lifelong book of learning. Embrace every opportunity, every challenge, and every lesson the world offers.

Agriculture, the field many of you are venturing into, is not just about tilling the land or reaping the harvest. It's about understanding the pulse of the earth, innovating for sustainability, and preparing for challenges, be they climate change or technological advancements. In my own journey through agriculture, I've learned that adaptability is not just valuable—it's vital. The market's ebbs and flows, the increasing demand for sustainable practices, and the ever-evolving consumer preferences all taught me that to thrive, one must be willing to learn and adapt.

To our graduates from the Faculty of Agriculture, you are more than just students of this discipline—you are its future. Your education here has not only equipped you with knowledge but also instilled in you the responsibility of ensuring our nation's food security, of driving innovation, and of spearheading sustainable agricultural practices.

I'd like to take a moment to acknowledge our scholars, those who've pursued higher academic qualifications. Your dedication to pushing the boundaries of knowledge will undoubtedly drive our nation's socioeconomic development forward. Your research, your insights, and your innovations are the bedrock upon which our future progress will be built.

To all our graduates, as you embark on your respective journeys, remember: challenges are but opportunities in disguise. Embrace them, learn from them, and let them mold you into the leaders of tomorrow. Stay enthusiastic, be the innovators the world needs, and never stop seeking excellence.

In conclusion, as you step out into the world, remember that you are not just representatives of the University of Mauritius. You are its legacy. You are the change-makers, the innovators, the leaders who will shape the destiny of our nation. I have unwavering faith that each of you will lead Mauritius to new heights, proving that even though we might be a small island, our potential is boundless.

Congratulations once again. Here's to your future, to our future, and to the boundless possibilities that await.

Thank you.

GRADUATION CEREMONY 2016-CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL GRADUATES

Our students received their diplomas/degrees/MPhil/PhD certificates at the Graduation Ceremony of 24 October 2016. This year there were 3 cohorts of studenst in the following programme of studies: BSc (Hons) Microbiology, BSc(Hons) AgricScience and Technology and BSc(Hons)AgricScience and Technoloy (minor AgriBusiness Management). 2 students received their PhDs and one an MPhil. 

It was a big milestone in their and their families' lives, and many academics staff were there to share in the celebration of their success. Having being an integral part of their development, we were proud to see them processing in the ceremony to receive their certificates. This is also our success as a Faculty. We have always strived to dedicate ourselves to our students on one hand, and to our Faculty on the other.

Graduation Ceremony 2015 - Faculty of Agriculture