Context (Agriculture)

Context

While the role of agriculture in Mauritius has evolved, it remains an essential component of the country's economic and social fabric. The government's multifaceted approach, which includes diversification, modernisation, and sustainability initiatives, reflects its commitment to ensuring the resilience and viability of the agricultural sector amidst changing global and local dynamics.

Historical Context

The agricultural sector of Mauritius has historically been a cornerstone of the nation's economic development. Although agriculture no longer dominates the economy, it remains crucial, influencing economic, social, and environmental dimensions. As of now, the sector accounts for approximately 4.6% of GDP, significantly contributes to export and foreign exchange earnings, and offers considerable employment opportunities (EDB). Originally, Mauritius was primarily an agrarian economy with sugarcane as the cornerstone of its agricultural activities. The sugar industry has been instrumental in driving economic growth and export earnings for decades, supported by the island's fertile soil and favorable climate, providing a livelihood for many Mauritians.   

Sector Diversification

In recent years, Mauritius has diversified its agricultural landscape to reduce dependence on sugarcane. The sugar industry has evolved into a broader cane industry, which now includes the production of refined and special sugars, alcohol, rum, and cane trash for energy. The government actively promotes high-value horticulture, resulting in a variety of locally produced fruits, vegetables, and processed foods. This diversification not only aims to enhance food security but also adds value to the agricultural sector and opens new economic opportunities.  

Challenges and Government Response

The agricultural sector faces challenges such as limited arable land, vulnerability to climate change, the need for sustainable farming practices and labour shortages.  In response, the government has implemented policies to modernize agriculture, promote precision farming, and introduce technologies to increase efficiency. Sustainable agriculture practices like organic farming and agroforestry are increasingly adopted as Mauritius strives to balance economic development with environmental preservation.

Production Systems and Livestock Sector

Food crop production in Mauritius is undertaken in permanent gardens and rotational sugar cane interlines, dominated by small-scale farming with an average holding of 0.25 hectares. Larger farms and rainfed systems also play a role. Fresh vegetables and fruits—particularly pineapples and bananas—are primarily grown for the domestic market. Moreover, the livestock sector, including extensive deer ranching and poultry farming, plays a vital role in the domestic food supply and supports rural livelihoods. 

Agribusiness and Food Security

The government's focus on agribusiness development has propelled the agricultural sector further. Initiatives to encourage value addition, food processing, and the establishment of agro-industrial enterprises aim to create a more dynamic and resilient agricultural economy. In the context of food security, Mauritius recognizes the importance of both increasing domestic production and strategically managing imports to ensure a stable supply of essential commodities.

Environmental and Conservation Efforts

Approximately 22% of Mauritius’s total land area is under forest cover, with special efforts directed towards conservation and the creation of National Parks and Conservation Service. Since 2018, the Smart Agriculture Project, supported by the European Union, has been promoting reduced reliance on agro-chemicals through innovative farming practices.

Water Management and Challenges

The water requirement of each crop varies and is related to the stage of crop. Furthermore, it is highly influenced by weather conditions and soil characteristics.  Agricultural development in Mauritius faces severe constraints from adverse climatic conditions and water stress. The competition for water resources with the energy, tourism, and industrial sectors poses a significant challenge. Despite these challenges, continuous efforts are made to rehabilitate and modernize irrigation infrastructure to ensure efficient water use in agriculture.  

Impacts of Climate Change and Hazards on Agricultural Output 

The impact of climate change and hazards on agricultural output varies considerably.  Calamities associated with climate change include drought, water deficits, flash floods, cyclones, and pest and disease outbreaks. The degree varies according to various factors such as crop grown, locality, topography of fields, crop stage, crop varieties, among other factors. More..

Post-COVID Strategies and Technological Advancements

Post-COVID, the focus has shifted towards achieving self-sufficiency and securing food through import substitution, technology-based farming, and the production of high-end products like nutraceuticals. The government's strategy aims to modernize the sector through the adoption of new technologies, enhancement of food quality and safety, adoption of good agricultural practices, and promotion of green agriculture concepts.

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