Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Sarah Jane Lebrasse
Published on 2024-02-21 11:00:06
The Minister of Agro-Industry, Mahen Seeruttun, has reviewed the measures taken by the government to assist vegetable growers affected by recent cyclones and the climate situation. A budget of Rs 20 million is being allocated to ensure that the market is well-supplied. Importing vegetables from India, South Africa, and China has become inevitable.
Reviewing the damage caused to vegetable crops, the Minister of Agro-Industry asserted that studies conducted by the Food and Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (FAREI) and the Small Farmers Welfare Fund (SFWF) confirm that between 40% and 75% of open-field planters’ production has been affected, with damage ranging from 10% to 65% for greenhouse crops. Among the most affected vegetables are tomatoes, carrots, climbing vegetables, peppers, coriander, cabbage, cauliflower, and bananas, among others.
He reiterated that the government has introduced a series of measures to support planters, farmers, and breeders through direct financial aid or subsidized loans. The SFWF has already received 8,314 requests from open-field planters, with 4,714 cases processed. Beneficiaries will receive their money through the bank or by check starting from Monday. Greenhouse planters will receive subsidies after their damages have been assessed by the SFWF. However, given that processing their files will take time, it has been agreed that they will receive Rs 25,000 initially for the repair of their facilities.
To meet the market demand, Minister Seeruttun stated that several options have been studied. In this context, the Agricultural Marketing Board (AMB) has imported a number of products, including potatoes, onions, and garlic. Additionally, carrots and cabbage have been added.
A shipment of potatoes is delivered almost every week. Currently, 75 tons of potatoes are in stock at the AMB, and 240 tons will be delivered by the end of the week. 10,430 tons of onions are currently in the market, with 672 tons expected to arrive before the end of the month. Arrangements are being made by the AMB for the importation of carrots, beans, cabbage, peppers, and bananas. Carrots will be sold at Rs 25 for half a kilo, beans at Rs 50 per pound, and peppers at Rs 75 per pound. Furthermore, vegetables will be imported from Rodrigues. The minister assured that there will be no shortage of coconuts and bananas for the Maha Shivaratree festival.
The minister also emphasized on deer farming for export. Currently, six operators are operating within a defined framework. He added that he has never been involved in providing permits to monkey farming operators. He denounced the rumors associating him with the issuance of operation permits, stating that it is defamatory.
Mahen Seeruttun maintains that the government is in favor of phasing out this activity over a given period. “There is a lot of talk about strength. There is no permit. No document that has been cut up so that Hammerhead operates as a delivery center,” he said.
Read the original article(French) on Le Mauricien
