During the month of March quite some developments were noted in the field of Agriculture and food security. There were questions and answers in the National Assembly and recently we were informed that clearances were given to promoters for the development of 6.600 acres of land into smart cities and that waivers in terms of VAT, Land Development Tax, Land conversion Tax and other facilities by the Mauritius Revenue Authority were given for the purpose. Good Agricultural lands in the various sugar factory areas were converted into morcellements and gated communities and not smart cities as the scheme under which facilities were given.
We also saw a laudable initiative of planting 500 acres of land under tea leaves production. As such the thorny question of unavailability of labour does not exist for the promoter. The group has all the resources involved namely; land, labour and capital. The same group moved away from tea leaves production some time back and concentrated on sugar cane as a miller planter group which later reduced considerably its area under sugar cane production. Slowly a large area under cane and factory was converted into real estate development and converted the whole area and nearby regions into new townships. Land value which ranged between 2 to 4 million rupees per acre are now valued at 15 million above per acre giving rise to price speculation. It needs to be mentioned that the group was a big producer of potatoes during the days of self-sufficiency in the commodity and also promoting Young Farmers and Cooperatives. The other areas were not spared either.
We also followed the very interesting, passionate and very positive interview of the Minister of Agro Industry, Food Security and Blue Economy in an international channel under the title Portrait. Many issues were discussed from childhood and school days, the career path to the present situation. With regards to the present he gave a picture of the existing situation and the way forward. He observed that there was an extra ordinary indolence at all levels in the sector since the past 10 years. He further stated that land was not an issue for agricultural development, but he observed with concern of the encroachment on prime agricultural land and the involvement of Land Scope on its own terms. Mention was also made of SIT, Rose Belle Sugar Estate and also of the lands acquired by MIC amongst others.
The above events and observation which were not surprising at all, call for certain reflections and proposals to contribute to the way forward; the more so since the Government Program mentions the failure of our Institutions.
On 26 January 2022 I wrote in an article on the Forum page of Le Mauricien titled “Food Security- Is there a Driver or a Team on board” and on 4 March 2022 titled “Another Wake-up call for our Sleepy Government”. Surprisingly there was no action or reaction whatsoever from the official side. The ‘I do not care the less” attitude was not a surprise as they were in a static mood. Yet the interesting part was that the public and the farming community reacted favourably to them. The inactive attitude was very well present Hon Minister. In subsequent articles much was said on the encroachment on the prime agricultural lands and also on the land scope and other abandoned lands indicated for potatoes, onions and ginger production.
No wonder in a Saturday 22 March issue of Le Mauricien it is reported that half a kilo of fresh ginger is being offered for Rs 475.in the market. Unless we break the dreamy attitude we shall be seeing morcellements, gated communities and abandoned lands everywhere and vote a substantial amount for our food import bills in coming National Budgets. It might sound pessimistic but with the indolent attitude prevailing in all quarters it is very much possible unless we break away from the present undesirable situation.
It is imperative break away from the past system and develop one which will usher in change, positivity and increase productivity in the agro-industrial sector. From a food importing country we need to become a food exporting nation. AREU had promoted successfully Hydroponic and protected culture out of scrap. The process was the well-guarded secret of two entrepreneurs who were involved in such production. There was no sharing of information and technology. They have now moved away or stopped production. This method needs to be encouraged by making it more accessible and the prohibitive costs can be subsidized as in the case of land developers. A good marketing system needs also to be developed.
The National Wholesale Market must break away from the traditional marketing process adopted by planters and auctioneers. It should dictate the tune and see means to go to the role that was designed by the initiators of the project; too much water has run under its bridge.
The annual report of the Ministry mentions the initiation of a Farm to Fork project in 2021/22. Funds were allocated in the National Budget and the AMB was leading it. The concept should have matured by now. No sign of it is seen till date. This is a clear case of money being injected without results.
Agriculture needs to be made attractive to the youth and children of those farmers who have abandoned their fields for want of resources and profitability. A farm should be treated more like an enterprise and farmers need to be treated like entrepreneurs. An Agricultural Incubator needs to be developed at FAREI and start-ups be created as sometimes the right people need the right opportunities and the right talent requires the right opportunity. Incorporation of Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence will greatly help as Technology should help to improve the life of every one. Other countries are doing it, why are we lagging behind? Model Farms could certainly play the role. Extension Service needs to toe the line. Officers need to understand that Agricultural Extension is a vocation and a dynamic process. It is not a 9 to 4 job. They need to adapt to the time of their clients and not vice versa. The potential is there but it seems that indolence (as said by the Hon Minister) is overpowering them.
A thorough survey needs to be carried out with the services of Extension Service of FAREI and MCIA. Eventually New Farming Systems have to be developed. Turning traditional farming to corporate farming mentality needs to be developed. Agricultural Cooperatives and Farmer Producer Companies will be having a bright future in this concept.
A successful farming system depends on a strong adaptive research arm. FAREI and MCIA are having the potential to support the process.
A good seed production unit also has an essential and pivotal importance. The Land acquired by MIC could be used in creating a seed production center of international standard. Nirmal Seeds India was proposing creation of such a center in 2012/13. They got all the support of the Ministry and started all ground work for same at La Chaumière/la Ferme but due to some fundamental differences they called off the project.
Shyamaparsad Bisnauthsing.
