Agricultural sector and related sectors like Forestry and Biodiversity play an important part of the Mauritian economy.
Governmental Bodies:
Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries (MAIFSBEF): The primary ministry responsible for formulating, developing, and implementing policies and strategies for the agricultural sector. It also provides support services to farmers, such as extension services, research, and marketing assistance.
Departments & Divisions
- National Parks and Conservation Service: Manages national parks and conservation efforts to preserve Mauritius' natural habitats and biodiversity.
- Forestry Service: Responsible for the management, conservation, and sustainable development of Mauritius' forest resources.
- Divisions: Various Divisions of MAIFSBEF focused on crop research, livestock management, farmer training, food security, land use, plant protection, agricultural engineering, and agro-industry development, each contributing to the enhancement and sustainability of the agricultural sector.
Parastatals
- Food and Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (FAREI): Conducts research on various agricultural aspects like crops, and livestock. They also provide extension services to farmers, such as training on new technologies and farming practices.
- Agricultural Marketing Board (AMB): Regulates the marketing of agricultural products in Mauritius. They offer marketing and promotion services for farmers as well, such as storage, transportation, and marketing information.
- Mauritius Cane Industry Authority (MCIA): Oversees the sugarcane industry in Mauritius, providing crucial support to sugarcane planters and factories. It provides support services to sugar cane planters, such as research, extension, and marketing assistance.
- Irrigation Authority (IA): Manages irrigation systems throughout Mauritius, ensuring farmers have access to water for their crops. It provides irrigation water to farmers at subsidized rates.
- Farmers' Service Corporation (FSC): Provides a range of services to farmers, including input supply, credit facilities, and marketing assistance.
- Small Farmers Welfare Fund (SFWF): Offers financial assistance to small-scale farmers in Mauritius. It offers grants and loans for agricultural development purposes.
- Mauritius Meat Authority (MMA): Regulates and promotes the meat industry, ensuring quality and safety standards in meat production and distribution.
- Mauritius Society for Animal Welfare (MSAW): Dedicated to promoting animal welfare, providing care and rehabilitation, and enforcing animal welfare laws.
- Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden Trust (SSRBG): Manages the historic botanical garden, conserving plant diversity and offering educational resources about plant species.
- Vallee D'Osterlog Endemic Garden Foundation: Committed to the conservation of endemic plant species through the creation and maintenance of a dedicated garden.
- Rose Belle Sugar Estate Board: Administers local sugar estates, focusing on the efficiency and sustainability of sugar production processes.
- Sugar Investment Trust (SIT): Aims to support and develop the sugar sector through investments and financial services, enhancing the sector's economic impact.
- Sugar Insurance Fund Board (SIFB): Provides insurance and risk management solutions to safeguard stakeholders in the sugar industry from various financial losses.
Industry Associations:
- Mauritius Sugar Syndicate (MSS): Represents the interests of sugar producers in Mauritius.
- Mauritius Chamber of Agriculture (MCA): The MCA is a non-governmental organization that represents the interests of farmers in Mauritius. It lobbies the government on behalf of farmers and provides them with a forum to discuss issues of concern.
Research Institutions:
- University of Mauritius (UoM): Conducts research in various fields relevant to agriculture, including soil science, plant breeding, and food technology.
- Mauritius Research Innovation Council (MRIC): Provides funding for research projects, potentially including those related to agriculture.
International Organizations:
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Provides technical assistance and support to countries, including Mauritius, for agricultural development.
Non-Governmental Organization (NGOs):
